“He only called three names and praise be that I was one of them…”
Lucas Leon; Photo by Disney/Connie Chornuk
From his audition to tonight’s Hollywood Week performance, Lucas Leon continues to prove why he’s one to watch on Season 24 of American Idol.
At just 17, he’s no stranger to performing, but he admits that the Idol stage is unlike anything he’s experienced before. Reflecting on his musical journey, Lucas shared a clip of his very first performance at age 8, when he sang an adorable rendition of “Winnie the Pooh” during his piano recital.
“I thought I had just won a Grammy after I sang that song. I don’t think my younger self would really believe it that I would be performing on this massive stage,” he shared.
Every word he sang was easy to hang onto, as his vocals evoked a velvety smooth sound while he played the keys with precision. Lucas not only showcased his impressive vocal range but also let the grit in his voice shine through, which in turn earned approving looks from the judges and a standing ovation from the audience.
“I said Georgia/ Georgia/ A song of you (a song of you)/ Comes as sweet and clear/ As moonlight through the pines/ Other arms reach out to me/ Other eyes smile tenderly/ Still in peaceful dreams I see/ The road leads back to you,” he delivered with ease.
Luke Bryan commended him on his ability to deliver such a powerful performance at his age and then joked that the contestant picked a good song choice, knowing it would resonate with him as a Georgia native.
“I’m from Georgia, so you’re already trying to make me…playing the room already.”
Lucas didn’t deny the country star’s claims, noting he was indeed “sucking up a bit.”
Once the rest of the aspiring artists in his group had finished their performances, it was time to find out if Lucas Leon had a chance at moving forward in the competition. His name was among three called to step forward, which Bryan revealed meant that he had earned a spot in the Golden Room.
“He only called three names and praise be that I was one of them,” Lucas said with relief.
The contestants placed in this holding area will get one more opportunity to sing for the judges in hopes of making it through the next big cut at the end of the round. Those who survive will officially be in Season 24’s Top 30.