American Idol
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Katy Perry is working late⌠with all her roles! The superstar took to Instagram to share a sweet video lip syncing along to Sabrina Carpenterâs summery new single, âEspresso,â while she changes from a casual outfit on the set of American Idol into a stunning purple leather dress ready for the taping. âIâm a singerrrr […]
Born:Â June 14, 2000 â Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Favorite Alums:Â Chris Daughtry, James Durbin
Musical Influences: Bon Jovi, Journey, Whitesnake, Queen, Ed Sheeran
First Idol Experience: âWhen Chris Daughtry got voted off, I wrote a handwritten letter to American Idol and said, âYou made a mistake. This guyâs a star.ââ
âI have older parents and they looked in the Yellow Pages to find a piano teacher. My dad said, âI want you to teach my son. Heâs three years old. And the teacher said, âWe normally like them to read English before they read music.â My dad told him, âHe reads, letâs get him in. Weâve got to start him early.â So I went to his studio and my little legs didnât touch the floor. I was swinging off the piano bench and I learned how to read music along with English. When I was 10, my parents asked if I actually liked taking lessons. I said, âIâve been doing it forever, so I might as well keep doing it. Itâs a part of my identity at this point.ââ
Kayko says he was always a music kid. âI did classical piano competitions for a long time and then I always wanted to change the song and not play whatâs on the page, so I did jazz. And I thought, âThis really isnât really my vibe. Iâm a rocker. I would never do a singing competition, not even American Idol. I would never try out for that.â And then I did theater.â Â
After appearing in musicals like Side Show, In the Heights, Ghost, Cabaret and 9 to 5, Kayko turned to YouTube and Billboard to see what music was popular and was inspired to record cover songs. âI was definitely a YouTube kid and thatâs how I learned how to produce my own music.â
Kayko attended Berklee College of Music for three semesters, until he realized he didnât want go to school. âI quit and moved to Nashville. I needed to write and produce my own songs. I needed to book live shows. I had no mentorship or insight, just a dream of being an artist and putting out music.â
Kaykoâs audition for Idol was unlike most other tryouts but he assures Billboard that what was shown on television was 100% true. âI donât know if the world will ever believe that. One of my very good friends from college, Abby Blake, got a call to do American Idol and they wanted her to prepare two songs but said the accompanist would only play one. She said, âI feel more comfortable with you in the room.ââ
Kayko agreed to go with her. They woke up at 4 a.m. for the Nashville audition and sat in a room all day without ever seeing the judges. The producers asked Blake to come back the next day and Kayko said he would return with her.
âAbbyâs voice was shot and she wasnât feeling well that day and I was thinking I have to break the ice for her, so I was probably talking way more than any accompanist has ever done before. Abby sang her song and got a yes. Katy Perry looks at me and says, âThereâs something about you. You look like an artist.â I said, âNo, Iâm not doing this.â Abby said I should sing for these three music legends. I played an original song and they look at each other and tell me Iâm going to Hollywood. What?!â
But Kayko had a huge conflict. âI booked a job in New York playing guitar for a new off-Broadway musical, Hard Road to Heaven, and I had this in place for a year. The guy who got me the gig put his neck on the line for me and now I have to call him and say, âI donât know what to do. Katy Perry just told me that I have a thing and I need to go to Hollywood Week and I could get cut and get no airtime and lose this thing, or it could be great.â He said, âI would never hold you back from doing something like that.â So I spent a week and a half in New York and flew directly to L.A. for Hollywood Week. The only reason I went was for that chance for airtime and the potential viral moment and for my friend Abby. She got cut in Hollywood and Iâm still here.â
It could have been an awkward situation, but it wasnât. âAbby and I are real friends and weâre both in the music industry and know that itâs not personal. I didnât take her spot. My dad always said, âIf Simon Cowell walked into the bar and youâre playing a lousy gig, are you going to blow him away?â And it actually happened with Katy Perry.â
Luke Bryan, âSmall Townâ (written and performed by John Cougar Mellencamp)
Triston Harper, âHeartbreak Hotelâ (performed by Elvis Presley; written by Mae Boren Axton, Thomas Durden & Elvis Presley)
Julia Gagnon, âRun to Youâ (performed by Whitney Houston; written by Jud Friedman & Allan Rich)
Roman Collins, âYouâre All I Need to Get Byâ (performed by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell; written by Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson)
Kaibrienne, âI Hate Myself for Loving Youâ (performed by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts; written by Desmond Child & Joan Jett)
Jayna Elise, âI Have Nothingâ (performed by Whitney Houston; written by David Foster & Linda Thompson)
Mia Matthews, âThose Memories of Youâ (performed by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris; written by Alan OâBryant)
KAYKO, âHigh and Dryâ (written and performed by Radiohead)
Emmy Russell, âI Canât Make You Love Meâ (performed by Bonnie Raitt; written by Mike Reid & Allen Shamblin)
Jordan Anthony, âI Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)â (performed by Whitney Houston; written by George Merrill & Shannon Rubicam)
McKenna Faith Breinholt, âHard to Say Iâm Sorryâ (performed by Chicago; written by Peter Cetera & David Foster)
Jack Blocker, âDonât Think Twice, Itâs All Rightâ (written and performed by Bob Dylan)
Nya, âI Say a Little Prayerâ (performed by Aretha Franklin; written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David)
Will Moseley, âNight Movesâ (written and performed by Bob Seger)
Abi Carter, âGoodbye Yellow Brick Roadâ (performed by Elton John; written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin)
The stars came out as the Rock Hall class of 2024 was unveiled to the world Sunday night (April 21) during ABCâs American Idol.
Another star-in-the making, Julia Gagnon, used the special occasion to announce herself as a strong candidate for this yearâs title.
For a shot at the top 12, Gagnon, the college student from Cumberland, Maine, wore a long red dress and rows of pearls, and channeled the âgreatest singer of her generationâ â Whitney Houston.
Gagnon and the other top 13 contestants performed songs by Rock And Rock Hall of Fame inducted artists, and two more contestants were eliminated.
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Gagnon delivered with a rendition of âRun To You,â by class of 2020 singer Houston, which appeared on The Bodyguard soundtrack.
During the season 22 auditions, Gagnon shared the story of her tough upbringing. Born in Guatemala, and put up for adoption as a baby, the youngster was raised by a loving family in the U.S. At school, she experienced bullying, but she found her voice through singing.
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Curious of her background, Gagnon went and located her birth mother. The Idol stage would provide a platform for the contestant to âdo something forâ her birth mom. âI felt really helpless, because I canât go to her in Guatemala. Itâs really far. But sheâs really proud of my voice,â she said during the auditions. âAnd she wanted to see me do something big.â
There was nothing small about her performance on Sunday night, which showcased her vocal power and range. A standing ovation awaited from the audience and the three judges: Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. And on she advances, into the final dozen.
Gagnon wasnât the only must-see moment on Idol.
During the show, Ryan Seacrest and Rock Hall inductee Lionel Richie revealed the Rock Hall of Fameâs Class of 2024. As previously reported, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, stalwart pop icon Cher, roots rock jam band Dave Matthews Band, stadium rock hitmakers Foreigner, guitar pro Peter Frampton, funky R&B legends Kool & the Gang, metal god Ozzy Osbourne and alt hip-hop progenitors A Tribe Called Quest are all entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year in the performers category.
Watch Gagnonâs performance during the Rock Hall-themed episode of Idol below.
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Katy Perry is on her way out of American Idol, with season 22 being her last before another musical sensation steps in to take over her role as a judge alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
And in an interview with E! News posted Tuesday (April 16), the pop star revealed who she would choose to take the reins following her exit: a certain breakout country superstar with face tattoos and a heart of gold. âI gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,â she told the publication. âI was convinced at anything he said.â
âHe could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him,â she added. âHe could sell me anything ⌠To have any of these guys plus Jelly on the show would be amazing. I love you, Jelly!â
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The interview comes about a week after the âSon of a Sinnerâ singer appeared on the April 8 episode of Idol, serving as a guest mentor and coaching the showâs top 24 contestants in Hawaii. âI realized how life-changing this is for these kids,â he told Billboard at the time. âEven if they go on and donât have music careers, they have this story forever and I felt it on them. I took away the spirit of genuine happiness to be where you are, because it happens so fast that sometimes you donât realize how special a moment it is.â
Even if it isnât Jelly, Perry said she hopes that her successor shares her knack for being straightforward with the singing showâs competitors. âI want a truth teller,â she told the publication. âI want someone that is not afraid to tell the truth in a graceful way.â
âUnfortunately, when youâre a woman and you have an opinion or youâre a boss, sometimes youâre also considered a B-I-T-C-[H],â she added. âSo just someone that has a strong sense of self, that listens to their intuition.â
The âFireworkâ singer has been a part of Idol since 2018, when the show was rebooted after three years off the air. She now has her sights set on recording a followup to her 2020 LP Smile, telling Jimmy Kimmel in February that she wants to âgo see the world and maybe bring new music.â
âI just have yet to make a record from a place of feeling really happy and whole and full of love,â Perry, who shares 3-year-old daughter Daisy Dove with fiancĂŠ Orlando Bloom, said in an April interview with Access Hollywood. âSometimes artists are like, âOh, thatâs boring, you want to make music from kind of like a tougher place,â but actually itâs very bright and joyful, like pure joy and fun and playful and celebratory and a party.â
In Katy Perryâs words, American Idol viewers almost got way more than they bargained for on Monday night (April 15) when her elaborate metallic top nearly fell off during the top 14 episode. âI need my top to stay on,â the singer said before shooting a worried look at the camera as a team of fashion technicians descended. âIf itâs not fixed, this show is going to get more than it wanted,â she added after some helpful crew members stepped in to repair the wayward steely bra.
Luckily, fellow panelist and part-time Tennessee gentleman farmer Luke Bryan stepped up to help, brandishing a pair of scissors and warning, âIâm going in!â before quickly deciding better of it. The show then cut to a clip of Perry cradling the shiny sculptural swoop and telling top 14 hopeful Roman Collins that his take on âItâs a Manâs Manâs Manâs Worldâ by James Brown âbroke my top off⌠I guess it is a womanâs world!â
Before long, Perry was hiding under the judgeâs desk, with just her head peeking out as Lionel Richie and Bryan quipped, âratings!â and an embarrassed Perry responded, âItâs a family show.â The final shot featured Perry holding a white pillow up to cover up the Kate Barton crop top that kind of looked like a heavy metal shark.
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Speaking of sharks, Perry later made a joke about the shape of her wayward costume, writing, âIf you see a shark youâre left brained, if you see #idol tonight youâre my bestie.â And speaking to Access Hollywood, Perry explained, âI wouldnât call it a malfunction, I just call it an interesting moment on live television. Seems like every season Iâm either tearing the seam of my pants or Iâm just super expressive physically. I love this outfit so much and I knew I was rolling the dice, but I was like, âwho cares?’â
The episode also featured the top 20 being cut down to the top 14, which consists of Julia Gagnon, Roman Collins, Kayko, Nya, McKenna Faith Breinholt, Abi Carter, Will Moseley, Jordan Anthony, Mia Matthews, Kaibreinne, Emmy Russell, Jayna Elise, Jack Blocker and Tristan Harper.
Idol is back on Sunday (April 21) with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame night, featuring guest mentor KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons and the reveal of the 2024 RRHOF inductees and a live vote for the top 12. Monday nightâs (April 22) show will feature guest mentor Meghan Trainor and the top 10 reveal on Billboard No. 1 hits night.
Watch Perry struggle with her top on Idol below.
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The 2024 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will be announced live coast-to-coast during a Rock Hall-themed episode of American Idol on Sunday (April 21). The inductees will be announced by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest along with judge (and 2022 Rock Hall inductee) Lionel Richie. The episode will air 8-10:01 p.m. […]
Emmy Russell is continuing on her late grandmotherâs legacy â what could be a better birthday gift than that? Loretta Lynnâs 25-year-old granddaughter stunned American Idol judges and viewers alike with a raw performance of an original song titled âWant Youâ on the showâs Sunday (April 14) episode, which aired the same day the legendary singer-songwriter would have turned 92.Â
Taking the stage backdropped by a blue screen of heavenly clouds, Russell channeled the âCoal Minerâs Daughterâ star in a puffy-sleeved, collared floral dress and boots. Assisted by a backup band, she delivered crystal clear vocals while singing her self-written lyrics: âI want you to want me like I want you/ I want you to need me like I need you/ If youâre gonna leave me, then cut me loose/ I want you to want me.âÂ
When cameras cut to the panel of judges, Katy Perry smiled, while Luke Bryan seemed mesmerized by the young hopefulâs moving performance.Â
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After the performance, Lynnâs official Instagram account posted a photo of Russell and wrote, âWhat a birthday gift!â Â
âEmmy was born on [Oliver âDoolittleâ Lynn] and Lorettaâs anniversary and now we have this milestone on Lorettaâs birthday!â the caption continued. âLoretta told all who would listen that Emmy had something special and now the world is seeing for themselves.âÂ
The episode â which found this seasonâs top 20 contestants going head to head as the competition pool continues to be narrowed down â came exactly 92 years after Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Ky. A three-time Grammy winner, she remains one of country musicâs most prolific songwriters and scored 42 top 10 entries on the Top Country Albums chart before her death at age 90 in 2022.Â
Perry, Bryan and Lionel Richie were flabbergasted to find out about Russellâs famous lineage when the Nashville-based artist first auditioned for Idol, for which she performed another original song â âSkinny.â âMy grandmaâs a country singer so I grew up singing,â she told the judges at the time, with Richie exclaiming after the big reveal, âYour grandma is ⌠what?!â Â
âYouâve got the gift,â Perry told Russell after her audition. âI donât think you need to compare yourself to what grandma was ⌠youâre totally different, you shouldnât give yourself all that pressure.âÂ
Watch Russellâs performance of âWant Youâ above, and see the post from Loretta Lynnâs Instagram below.Â
American Idol is down to its top 24, and with his confident performance in Hawaii, Triston Harper did his chances no harm of going deeper in the competition.
The teen took Idol to church on Monday night (April 8), with a performance of Blake Sheltonâs âGodâs Countryâ.
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Aged just 15, Harper possesses a beefy voice, with twang, swagger and command that could â should â belong to a seasoned pro.
The McIntosh, AL school student had the Disney Aulani stage hollering, and, at various moments, judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and guest mentor Jelly Roll on their feet and dancing.
Earlier, Billboard spoke with Jelly Roll about the young competitor. âHe walked in with the spirit of a 75-year-old man that had been through a lifetime of pain. Just wise beyond his years, with that deep Southern drawl,â he told Billboardâs Fred Bronson. âHe has you eating out of the palm of his hand the first two seconds you talk to him, and the coolest part is he has no clue that heâs charming. Itâs just naturally kind of who he is and then for him to be so moved by me was really cool.â
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Hawaii week is an Idol tradition that began in 2018, which sees the top 24 perform over two nights at Aulani, a Disney resort and spa in Ko Olina.
Harper performed on the second of those nights.
The youngster melted hearts with his Idol audition, when he performed a cover of Jason Isbellâs âCover Me Up,â shared the tough tale of surviving homelessness with his mom, and landed the golden ticket.
The top 20 will be revealed this Sunday, April 14 on ABC, when, as previously reported, Teddy Swims, Lauren Spencer Smith and Paul Russell will take the stage for a special three-hour episode. Voting on the top 20 closes Tuesday at 6 am ET.
Watch Harperâs performance below.
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American Idol is down to its top 24, and next weekâs episode will feature a star-studded list of performers. Teddy Swims, Lauren Spencer Smith and Paul Russell are all set to take the stage on the three-hour April 14 episode of the singing competition series, where the top 20 will be revealed. Swims is fresh […]