American Idol is still discovering great talent all these years in. On the season premiere of the competition series, 22-year-old Brooks Rosser blew judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood away.
A medication technician at a dementia care facility, Rosser opened up how playing music connected him to his grandmother when she developed the illness.
In front of the judges, Rosser admitted that he has no experience playing in front of people, except that of his patients whom he connects to through his music.
After his introduction, Rosser began singing Joshua Slone’s “Your Place At My Place,” showing off his unique voice.“I just want to hear more!” Bryan exclaimed, before encouraging Rosser to put work on the back burner to play more shows. “No matter what you sing, it’s going to be beautifully unique.”
Carrie Underwood Calls Brooks Rosser a “Unicorn” Following Uniquely Beautiful Performance
Underwood agreed with Bryan’s assessment, telling Rosser, “You’re a unicorn. It’s one of one. That’s really cool.”
Richie inquired as to Rosser’s favorite song to sing his patients, and the Idol hopeful revealed it to be Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” The singer then broke into that tune, delighting the judges once more.“It’s so good, man,” Richie said. “You have a unique style all your own.”
All three judges unanimously agreed to pass Rosser through to the next round, fulfilling the young man’s lifelong dream.
“I’ve always been shy and insecure, so hearing compliments from people as big as the judges really means something,” Rosser told the cameras after receiving his Golden Ticket.
The judges were just as thrilled by the development, with Richie remarking, “We’re so lucky. That’s crazy.”
One emotional comment, “My Mom loved Sam as we called him at Hart Hertitage… thanks for taking such good care of my Mom, Daisy Lipscomb,” turning Brooks’ audition into a moment of shared remembrance.
Other viewers echoed similar feelings, calling him “a special human being in a world thirsty for kindness,” praising his dedication to seniors, and highlighting his words about helping patients “learn their words back.”
Fans also reacted strongly to his performance of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” with many admitting they had goosebumps or were moved to tears. As support poured in, viewers repeatedly described Brooks as both a standout artist and a beautiful soul, with early calls already naming him a serious contender—and even a potential winner—of the season.