On the newest episode of American Idol, Country music star and judge Carrie Underwood drew enthusiastic attention when she compared teenage contestant Kiera Howell to fellow country artist Gabby Barrett — a compliment that highlighted both the young singer’s vocal potential and her promising future in the music industry.
Kiera Howell, just 16 years old and hailing from Geneva, Alabama, stepped before the Idol judges with a glowing mixture of nervous excitement and raw talent. She chose to perform “Don’t Tread On Me” by We The Kingdom, a contemporary Christian-rock song that allowed her gritty, powerful voice to shine.
Underwood was quick to praise Howell’s performance, noting the versatility in her tone and the “grittiness” that suggested Howell could excel in multiple genres — from country to rock. As Underwood put it, there was something in Howell’s voice that reminded her of Gabby Barrett, who rose to fame after finishing in the Top 3 on American Idol’s Season 16 and later became one of country music’s breakout stars.
“She’s got a little Gabby Barrett kind of quality in there too,” Underwood said, underscoring the young contestant’s strong potential.
The judges — Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie — unanimously voted “yes,” advancing Howell to Hollywood Week, the next major stage in the competition. Bryan playfully noted Howell’s impressive vocal stamina, and Richie applauded her gritty energy and performance presence.