American Idol returns Sunday night for another round of cross-country auditions. From Los Angeles to Louisville, find out who gets magical, golden tickets to Hollywood when the second round of auditions premieres on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
How can episode 3 of American Idol followup Alejandro Aranda's jaw-dropping audition? Though judge Luke Bryan said he didn't "want to see anyone else" after the Pomona street performer's audition, the third round of auditions does not disappoint in unbelievable talent.
For a full recap of last week's episode, click here.
One of the contestants vying for the golden ticket to Hollywood is Phoenix-native Wade Cota. Sharing his story of growing up with "nothing," the 27-year-old is hoping to take care of her through his musical ability.
"My mom still works full-time," Cota said to the camera. "She takes care of everybody and everything all the time, and all I want to do is take care of her."
"I've seen her struggle my whole life. I want to be remembered for something, and it might as well be for making my mom proud."
Episode three of the reality talent show will feature open mic hosts, preacher's kids and more; however, find out which contestants blew judge Lionel Richie away and who gave judge Katy Perry "the first goosebumps of the season" when American Idol airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Time to move your clocks forward and get ready to be blown away again... 🤯@americanidol is back tonight! Tune in - 8|7c on ABC! #americanidol pic.twitter.com/bJ0Km3EmGO
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) March 10, 2019
Ashton Gill (and Laine Hardy)
With a past American Idol contestant by her side, 20-year-old Ashton Gill auditioned and won the hearts of all three judges.
"Alright Ashton, pick the right songs and this can be really good for you," Perry said.
While Season 1 contestant Laine Hardy came into the audition room to play guitar for his friend, the judges requested him to sing them out and discovered newfound confidence in the young singer.
"I'm just going to hold it right here," Richie said as he extended his arm. "All you have to do is grab it."
After a little consideration, two singers were put through to Hollywood.
Austin Michael
Identified as the "Justin Bieber of the country world," 15-year-old country singer, Austin Michael got mixed reactions from the judging panel. While Perry thought the young performer needed more time to "age like a fine whiskey," judges Richie and Bryan voted "yes," putting Michael through to Hollywood.
Jake Puliti
A 20-year-old Pennsylvania-native Jake Puliti traveled to New York City to audition for American Idol with his rendition of "This Is How We Do It."
While it's not the usual audition song, Puliti made judges dance with through his amazing vocals.
"I made Katy Perry do the worm, that's insane," the singer said to the camera.
Shawn Robinson
Currently a garden associate at a local hardware store, 21-year-old Shawn Robinson is hoping to chase his musical dreams.
"Your voice is butter," Richie said. "I'm in love with your personality."
"When you're in your lane, you're perfection," Bryan added.
"I want to hear you dig in next time," Perry concluded.
Robinson won three "yes" votes from the judges and was accompanied by his family as he received his golden ticket.
Nate Walker
Coming from a musical background, while also being associated with last season's contestant Gabby Barrett, Nate Walker had a lot to prove. The Pittsburg-native performed his rendition of "Say Something," and blew the judges away with his perfected riffs.
In unison from all three judges, Walker got three "yes" votes and is headed to Hollywood.
"You are anointed, my friend," Richie said.
"You are a legend," Walker said to Richie as he walked up to receive his golden ticket.
"You will be a legend," Richie responded.
Wade Cota
Sharing a heartbreaking story of abuse and neglect by his biological father, Wade Cota enters American Idol as the epitome of what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. With the support of his mother, Cota enters the audition room and immediately blows away the judges the moment he opens his mouth.
"I was not excepting that person to jump out of your body," Richie said.
"You have the most unique voices I've ever heard in my life," Perry added.
Riley Thompson
Performing her original song "Oh, Daddy," Riley Thompson presented vocals far beyond her years. At 16, she may be considered far too young to enter the entertainment industry, but the judges did "not want to let [her] go."
"You remind me of a country Lana Del Rey," Perry concluded.
Clay Page
Traveling from Georgia, Clay Page came to Idaho to try his shot at American Idol. Sharing the story of his uncle Norman who was the catalyst of his love of music. Performing "Die A Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett.
"You might be our best representation," Bryan said.
"You are a gentle ginger," Perry added.
Page won three "yes" vote and a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Drake McCain Taylor
At just 17 years old, Drake McCain Taylor hopes to be a role model for his 10 siblings. Taylor showed his strong vocals and riffs through a classic Gospel song, which made Perry join in on the worship.
The young grocery store worker got three "yes" votes from the judges and won a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Madison Vandenburg
It may look like this season of American Idol will feature the talent of young musicians, including 16-year-old Madison Vandenburg. Performing her rendition of Dan + Shay's hit single "Speechless," the young singer rendered the judges speechless.
"I think I'm witnessing the next Kelly Clarkson," Bryan said.
If it was even a question, Vandenburg got three "yes" votes and is the next aspiring musician to receive their golden ticket to Hollywood.
Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon
Coming from humble origins, Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon grew up in the church as a preacher's kid. Currently working as a janitor in his father's church, Harmon didn't really see the talent he amounted to. The young musician performed his original song "Almost Heaven," which was inspired by his experience with coming out to his parents just three years ago.
"'Almost Heaven' is about questioning if there is a place for me, and people like me, in Heaven," Harmon said to the camera.
Delivering emotional vocals while playing the piano, Harmon's performance seemed to be a great way to end the second round of auditions.
"You're a serious musician," Perry said.
"When you opened your mouth and started singing, I went straight to Billie Joel," Richie said. "Then you kept singing and you passed Billie Joel."
Harmon became the final contestant approved to Hollywood during episode 3 of American Idol.
Find out what comes next when American Idol returns next Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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