American Idol Season 24 opened with strong voices and emotional stories, but few moments hit as deeply as the audition of 22-year-old Brooks Rosser from Bel Air, Maryland. From the moment he appeared on screen, it was clear this was not just another audition — it was the beginning of a journey viewers instantly cared about.
Brooks works as a medication technician in a dementia care unit at Hart Heritage Assisted Living, a job he describes as more than work. For him, the residents are “actually just friends.” His connection to dementia care is deeply personal.
Growing up shy, Brooks found his voice through his grandmother, who lived with dementia and became his biggest supporter. When she began losing words, Brooks picked up a guitar, using music as a way for them both to communicate. “It would help her learn her words back,” he shared, “and help me get mine out.”
That same quiet compassion carried into his first-ever public performance, where Brooks auditioned with “Your Place at My Place” by folk singer Joshua Sloan.
The moment he opened his mouth, the room changed. His voice — high-pitched, raw, and unmistakably his own — stopped the judges in their tracks. Luke Bryan admitted, “Gosh, I just want to hear more,” while Carrie Underwood called him a “unicorn,” praising his rare, one-of-a-kind sound. Lionel Richie went even further, saying, “I have not heard another voice like this ever.”
Brooks followed up with “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” a song he often sings to residents at work. The performance added even more weight to the moment, revealing not just vocal skill, but deep emotional truth. Luke summed it up simply: “This kid is so good.” With three strong yeses, Brooks moved on — but by then, fans were already calling him a frontrunner.
Online reaction was overwhelming. Viewers weren’t just praising his voice — they were moved by who he is. One fan wrote, “This is the voice you want to hear. Not just for entertainment, but for healing.” Another said, “Before I liked him as an artist, I liked him as a person.” Many pointed out that in a world where stories of mistreatment in care facilities are sadly common, Brooks’ kindness made them root for him immediately.
Some of the most emotional reactions came from families who knew him personally. One commenter shared, “My Mom recently passed. We were all excited when we heard Sam was auditioning. Thank you for taking such good care of my Mom.” Others who worked alongside him expressed pride, calling him a “special human being in a world thirsty for kindness and compassion.”
Fans compared his unique tone to artists like Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, James Blunt, and even past Idol favorites like Alejandro Aranda and Hunter Metts. Many went further, boldly predicting his future. “Winner. Calling it now,” one wrote. Another added, “Whether he makes it or not, he already won.”
As American Idol Season 24 gets underway, Brooks Rosser stands out not just for his voice, but for his heart. His audition didn’t feel like a performance chasing fame — it felt like a reminder of why music matters in the first place. And for many viewers, that made him someone worth rooting for from the very beginning.