The Auditions continued on the Monday, February 2, episode of American Idol. Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie saw more hopefuls sing and were tasked with deciding who would receive golden tickets to move on to Hollywood Week.
As always, there were some emotional moments, including Underwood wiping away tears during a mother’s “relatable” performance. All three judges were also blown away by a contestant for the second time after he returned to the show following a difficult decision to drop out last year.
Scroll down for a full recap of the night’s performances and to find out who received golden tickets!
Makiyah
The night began with an absolute ray of sunshine when Makiyah took the stage and performed “Love You I Do” by Jennifer Hudson. Bryan couldn’t stop smiling from the moment she walked into the room.
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“You light up the room,” he told Makiyah. “It’s just the energy. I don’t even think she knows how great it is.” Aside from her great attitude, Makiyah also had an impressive voice.
“You didn’t miss a note,” Underwood assured her. “So good. So strong. And in control of everything. Easily the strongest voice we’ve heard so far. You are meant to be here right now.” Meanwhile, Richie called Makiyah a “standout,” and all there judges gave her a “yes” to receive a golden ticket.
Ruby Rae
For her audition, 16-year-old Ruby Rae sang a gorgeous rendition of Olivia Rodrigo‘s “Vampire” that thoroughly impressed the judges.
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“That was right on the money,” Lionel raved, while Bryan told Ruby, “If there were a thousand things on a list to check, I think you checked them all. I don’t think we’ve seen a star, star, star like you yet.”
Underwood applauded Ruby’s “breath control” and told her the performance was “really, really incredible.” All three judges said “yes,” and after Ruby left the room, Bryan predicted that she’ll be one of the artists who makes the Top 10 this season.
“That’s a different kind of 16-year-old,” Underwood agreed.
Kamryn Palmer
After gushing over how big of a Carrie Underwood fan she is, Kamryn Palmer dove into her rendition of Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home” for her audition.
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The judges were hesitant in giving their feedback. “You’re very comfortable in playing and singing and emoting, which is really refreshing,” Underwood confirmed. Bryan assured Kamryn that she has a “nice voice,” but noted, “I just don’t know if it’s all the way there yet for Idol.”
Richie agreed and said his vote was “a real optimistic no.” Underwood decided to give Kamryn a chance to show the “fire” in her voice and performance skills, so she voted yes, which meant it all came down to Bryan, who ended up saying no.
Kamryn didn’t get a golden ticket to Hollywood, but she did have a dream come true when she asked Underwood to join her to sing before she exited the audition room.
Michael Garner
At just 16 years old, Michael Garner came into his audition with some nerves during his performance of “I’m Still Fine” by Red Clay Strays.
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Underwood told the teenager that his voice is “definitely beyond 16” and applauded his “control and composure,” but was hesitant about putting him through because of how young he is. “I look at you and see my son,” she explained. “I would not throw him in the middle of it where you’re at. So that’s where I’m coming from.”
She ended up giving Michael a no, but Bryan and Richie came through with yeses so he could get a golden ticket. “If we say no to him, what are we doing here?” Bryan wondered. “I know he’s young, but we’re all saying he sings great. He’s playing guitar. And he sang pretty damn good.”
Sheldon Riley
Sheldon Riley came to American Idol all the way from Australia. He explained that he previously auditioned for a similar show in Australia, but was told his audition “wasn’t enough,” which led to a lot of self-doubt. Sheldon ended up creating a character to portray while performing, which led to him getting performances all over the world.
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Unfortunately, this made him “hate who [he] was underneath the masks,” leading him to take two years off and come back as himself. He sang “Brother” by Matt Corby for his audition.
“You’re crazy talented,” Bryan said. “Crazy unbelievable. I don’t know why you ever had to wear the mask because you’re an amazing looking person.”
Richie raved over how “authentic” Sheldon is and praised his stage presence, while Underwood said, “I love your voice.” All three judges said yes to giving Sheldon a golden ticket to Hollywood Week.
Trace Casanova
Lounge singer Trace Casanova performed “Wild One” by Jerry Lee Lewis, and he had Underwood up on her feet as he pulled her to the middle of the room to dance with him. He then sang a lounge singer version of Sir Mix a Lot’s “Baby Got Back.”