On the Season 24 auditions of American Idol, a moment that could have been just another hopeful performance instead became one of the most unforgettable auditions of the season — not just for judges, but for viewers at home. When 24-year-old contestant Trew the Star stepped into the audition room, he carried more than a voice. He carried a story of resilience, heartbreak, and hope — and his performance left judge Luke Bryan with what he described as “full body chills” throughout the entire audition.
Trew’s journey to that microphone was far from easy. Growing up in Alabama, he faced a difficult childhood marked by his mother’s struggle with addiction and the challenges of raising his siblings at a young age. Though his mother eventually got clean, she passed away in 2022 — a loss that shaped Trew’s relationship to music and his purpose on the Idol stage. Before he sang, he explained to the judges through tears that this audition was “about more than auditioning,” but *about family, perseverance, and proving that anything is possible with determination and heart.”
For his performance, Trew chose Sam Cooke’s classic “Nothing Can Change This Love.” Rather than simply singing, he told a story — intertwining rich vocal quality with genuine emotion, infusing every note with personal meaning. His delivery didn’t just demonstrate technical skill; it conveyed lived experience, vulnerability, and authenticity. That’s exactly what moved the judges.
Trew the Star Covers Sam Cooke on American Idol
Carrie Underwood praised his “commanding voice” and believable delivery, while Lionel Richie was so moved that he stood up and embraced Trew in a congratulatory hug. But it was Luke Bryan’s reaction that captured the emotional intensity of the moment: “It was the first time in three days that I’ve had full body chills the whole time,” he said, acknowledging how “real and genuine” Trew’s performance felt.
The audition didn’t end there. When Trew’s family joined him in the room moments later, the judges revealed that he had earned his Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week — a milestone in his journey toward becoming the next American Idol. For Trew, the moment was not just a personal victory, but a tribute to his late mother and to everyone who believed in him along the way. “I think they’re just really proud of me,” he said through tears, before raising the Golden Ticket in the air and declaring, “This is hope.”