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Kelly Clarkson’s Unforgettable ‘American Idol’ Journey: 5 Key Performances

by Jonathan Osaghae August 22, 2023, 9:33 pm

If you were born before 2012, chances are in 2012 you also caught the Pitch Perfect bug and started singing “The Cup Song” everywhere you went. You might have also found yourself humming the song “Since U Been Gone” under your breath when you didn’t intend to. “Since U Been Gone” was the biggest hit single on American starlet, Kelly Clarkson’s second studio album, Breakaway . The album garnered Clarkson two Grammy Awards and several nominations.

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Before Clarkson became a famous singer and songwriter, she was known as the first American Idol winner. From the moment she stepped onto the blue American Idol stage, Clarkson’s powerful voice and undeniable charisma captivated the audience, propelling her to victory in the show’s first season in 2002. Her journey as a professional singer started after that. She was signed to RCA Records, the music label in partnership with the program, and she released the song, “A Moment Like This,” which solidified her as a serious contender, and not just a talent competition winner.

As we journey down memory lane, we’ll explore five key performances that not only defined Clarkson’s journey but are also unforgettable and perfect for showcasing the depth of her artistry and the passion that has cemented her status as one of America’s most beloved voices.

1. “A Moment Like This” – The Finale Triumph

Clarkson gave a captivating Grand Finale performance of the song that would later become her chart-topping debut single. “A Moment Like This” was written by Jörgen Elofsson and John Reid. To ensure a swift release, they had the four finalists of the season record their own version of the song. As a face-off, the last two standing performed a rendition of the song.

At the Grand Finale, after announcing her as the winner, an emotional Clarkson gave a touching performance of the song, to the delight of the audience that equally couldn’t contain their joy. Comments on YouTube about the performance were of viewers of recent seasons returning to the video to express how the emotions in her performance were so raw and genuine. Some felt it was still the best moment on any season of American Idol. No matter one’s opinion on the performance though, it was no doubt a powerful moment for Clarkson on the show.

2. “Respect” – A Soulful Revelation

When Clarkson gave a soulful yet energetic performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” viewers and voters expressed that it was that moment they knew she was going to win the show and they would vote her to the top. Clarkson’s voice had gotten her to the Top 30 (Semifinal/Group 2), but when she belted out notes to Franklin’s song, she became known as the vocal powerhouse of the season, as she hit high notes effortlessly. At that point, it was certain that Clarkson was now more confident of the power in her voice. The Judges all gave positive reviews, but Simon Cowell’s comment was what reflected what many viewers felt. He said he couldn’t remember her from previous performances until she just blew him away with that powerful rendition of “Respect.”

3. “Natural Woman” – A Showcase Range

When she made it to the Top 8, Clarkson performed “Natural Woman” also by Aretha Franklin. With her black and white ensemble, Clarkson delivered the song with the necessary growls and a healthy dose of sultriness. What made the performance stand out was the F#6 whistle notes she hit and held toward the end of the performance. It wasn’t in the original performance by Aretha, but Clarkson somehow made a whistle-high note work with the song. People were on their feet in an instant and the ovation didn’t die down for a long time after she had stopped singing.

4. “Stuff Like That There” – Nostalgic Charm

For her Top 6 performance, Clarkson released the nostalgia charm and went old school by performing Betty Hutton’s 1945 “Stuff Like That There.” She dressed the part with her hair in a high blowout, pearls around her neck, and an off-the-shoulder dress. Unlike previous covers of the song, Clarkson didn’t try diversifying the style. Rather, she sang it as the original singer did, and she ended up winning the hearts of the audience and viewers at home with the nostalgic song choice.

YouTube comments showed that the majority of her new supporters after that unique performance were people past middle age. She had succeeded in winning an older generation over to her side.

5. “Walk On By” – Emotion in Every Note

By now, we’ve established the fact that Clarkson was adept at putting emotions and soul into her singing. Her Top 5 performance was a rendition of “Walk On By” by Leroy Van Dyke. Her songs on the show, prior to this performance, had been a majority of songs from female artists. “Walk On By” was her first song by a male artist. She closed her eyes for a high duration of the performance and delivered the song to the delight of the audience. The judges felt her performance was excellent, while the audience continued cheering on loudly.

Final Thoughts

Some honorable mentions include when Clarkson performed “I Surrender” by Celine Dion, “Before Your Love,” and “Think Twice” by Celine Dion. All of Clarkson’s performances on the first season of American Idol were exceptional, but the five we’ve listed above stood out and summarized her journey in the show in one word — range. Kelly Clarkson is considered by many as a singer with an excellent range. 

In the show, she performed songs with high notes, soul songs, pop songs, original songs, blues, and ballads. She delivered them all, won the votes of America, and ended up winning the coveted top spot and a very much-deserved record deal. Kelly Clarkson’s time on American Idol wasn’t just a chapter in her story; it was the beginning of a legacy that continues to shine brightly in the world of music.

Photo by Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal

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How Simon Heard About 9-Year-Old Journeyy Before His Shocking AGT Audition

The Judges always have their ear to the ground for new talent and that's just what they got with singer Jounreyy.

With a soulful voice that belies his young age, Journeyy joined the ranks of “cool kids” who are blowing away the Judges in Season 19 of America’s Got Talent . The musically gifted 9-year-old played piano and sang an original tune, flooring the audience with his emotional intensity and poetic lyrics. Surprisingly, Simon Cowell revealed that just a few days before the performance, he had heard of Journeyy. How did this shy Jersey City child — who admitted to a bit of stage fright before the show — get on the radar of AGT ?

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As a Judge, you always need your ear to the ground, and Simon explained that his friends sometimes give him the best tips. This time, his good pal, LeRoy Clark, put the bug in his ear.

“Over the years with this show, friends will spot someone online, and they’ll say, you gotta see this person. A very good friend of mine, sitting over there, his name is Leroy. He said a couple of days ago, ‘You gotta see this video, ‘and it was you,’” Simon told the young performer on stage.

Turns out, great minds think alike, and AGT ’s production team had already found Journeyy. The up-and-comer said he loves singing covers, and his version of Oceans by Hillsong United quickly racked up views and glowing praise when he recently posted it on TikTok.

What song did Journeyy Sing on America’s Got Talent ?

After perfecting his style by singing covers for the past few years, Journeyy took the next step and performed an original song that he wrote himself, titled “Paradise.”

“I just didn’t expect that me recording videos at my house would lead to me being here right now. When I grow up, I want to be a pop singer,” he said in a backstage interview, adding that coming to Los Angeles for the audition was the first time he’d ever been on a plane.

The 9-year-old was nervous before the show, accepting a glass of water and a high-five from “favorite” Judge, Simon, before he began. But all that melted away as he struck the first note on the piano and sang:

You roll the dice

Now you’re on thin ice

Oh, here, the bugs don’t bite

Automatic lullabies

Purple clouds in the sky

Welcome to my paradise

What did the Judges say about Journeyy?

Cowell’s pals have impeccable taste, and the judges heaped huge praise on the young musical talent. “I love hearing people write their own material. It’s a glimpse into who you really are. And I really like you,” Cowell told Journeyy. 

“Your parents must be super proud of you,” noted Heidi Klum . Meanwhile, Journeyy’s parents and sister stood in the wings, wiping tears away and nodding yes! “I’m proud of you. I hope you’re proud of yourself. Very well done, you have a beautiful voice,” she added.

Why Sofia Thinks “Fearless” Ahren Belisle Could Be the First Stand-Up to Win AGT

Sophia Vergara did not hold back and stated, “I love you,” prompting a giant grin from Journeyy. “I think this season we have so many cool kids. Super cool kids, you’re one of them,” she enthused. Howie Mandell joked that he was once “nine years old for almost a year,” but his assessment of the performance was dead serious: “You are amazing,” he said.

Whenever Cowell says, “Things are gonna happen for you. I can feel it,” we wonder if he has a crystal ball hidden behind the Judge’s table because he’s pretty much right. “You are somebody who has a God-given talent. And it’s rare.”

Catch up on America's Got Talent on Peacock .

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After 6 full months of pre-auditions, auditions, callbacks, interviews, and quick trips to LA- here is my husband, Marcus Tinsley's, American Idol experienice! 

So much led  up to such a crazy time...but let's fast forward 6 months, and talk about when Marcus got officially invited to come to the CELEBRITY JUDGE Audition , all the way out in LA! After about 7 hours of waiting, Marcus was called back by Ryan Secrest, saying it was his time to sing for Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry.

Katy Perry said he had a couple pitchy spots. (stupid nerves!!) She then went on to saying (what was shown on t.v.) that he doesn't even need a pig (yes, that's right... we brought our pet pig!), & that he's a GREAT singer. When it came time for her to vote, her response was "Yes.. just YES !!"

Luke Bryan went on about how his voice is instantly recognizable, & that he can definitely sing. Giving him another YES !

Lionel Richie told him that "there are singers, & there are artists.. & you, my friend, are an artist." He then went on saying that he plans on seeing a lot more of Marcus in the future.. ending it with his 3rd YES !

Hollywood Week

For the 1st round of Hollywood Week , they split everyone up by their genres, and had them sing a song of their choice. Marcus planned on doing Tennessee Whiskey, with a pianist accompanying him. After hours (& hours & hours!) of waiting for him to hit the stage- they finally called him up. The second he walked out on stage, Taylee squealed from excitement- & I unexpectedly just starting CRYING (so proud, ugh!) The second he starting singing, the crowd around us starting "oohh-ing" & "aww-ing". I glanced down at Luke Bryan, and he had a smile on his face, & started nodding his head in approval. He sounded incredible! After his performance was over, we ran downstairs to meet him. Taylee and I were so excited to go hug him and celebrate how well he did. When we got down to him, he was getting interviewed & was extremely disappointed in himself. He said that his nerves got the best of him, and felt like he completely ruined his chances with American Idol. I know I'm biased, but I completely disagreed with him.

Well .. the time finally came for the elimination round . They stood them in a line of 10 and told them to step forward if their name gets called. Once they have two separate lines, the judges will reveal which line will be going home, and which one made it through. In our experience with the show, typically the line with the least amount of contestants get sent home.. So naturally, I was hoping to see him end up in the line with the most. Well , after SO much waiting, the time finally came for Katy Perry to start calling names forward. She called the first name.. & then the second.. the third.. fourth.. fifth, AND sixth name to take a step forward. As amazing as I knew he did, I started doubting myself. I caught eyes with Marcus from the crowd, when realizing that he realized, he was probably going home.

Katy Perry then calls the SEVENTH person to the front line, leaving only Marcus and two others in the back row. With all all the amazing singers in the front row, I doubted everything at this point, but was so happy we were able to get this far together. After a long (LONG) pause, she then told Marcus's small line, that unfortunately, she is very sorry..

Very sorry because "you few are going to have to come back tomorrow, and do this all over again."

& just like that..

he was onto the next round!!

Holloywood Week Round 2

American Idol threw a curveball at all this contestants for this round, and did something they have NEVER done before during Holloywood Week...

The contestants found out about this at about 11:00PM, and had until 5:00am to agree on a song choice from a list that American Idol gave them-learn it, choreograph their performance, and head back to the Orpheum Theatre by sunrise! 

Performance Time!

Well, after an absolutely AMAZING performance- I can say he officially MADE IT THROUGH another round!! Not only did he make it through, he got a STANDING OVATION from LIONEL RICHIE. Lionel stood up, clapped with his hands in the air, & followed it with " MARCUS I don't know about my fellow judges, but I did NOT know your voice could sound like that (as Luke and Katie were nodding their heads in approval)! Amazing job, he said!

One of the craziest rounds for us. After this point, not only were family members of other contestants coming up to me, saying how amazing Marcus's voice is... But the producers of the show we're stopping Taylee & I, saying that it's unreal how much his voice is improving already- and how far he's going to go as an artist!

OFF TO ROUND 3 HE GOES!!!

Hollywood Week FINALE

For this round , there's a very short list of a few songs they must pick from to perform. Marcus didn't know ANY of them ( yikes!! ), so he just went with one that he thinks his voice would work best with. He started rehearsing the song at about 1 a.m. (they announced what this round will be at about 11:30pm, the night before). He worked on it as much as he could in that few hours, and then they had to head back down to the Orpheum at around 6am for call-time. ( No sleep for him! ) They don't call it ' Bootcamp for the music industry' for nothing!

See what happens below-

Well, needless to say, this was the end of his American Idol journey. Since he was unable to perform, we don't blame the judges at all for not putting him through. The main thing they were judging on in this round ( in Lionel Richie's words ) was who wouldn't break under pressure, and still be able to pull off a performance. For Marcus, mixing a new song that he has never heard of before, with stage fright he has already been battling.. definitely didn't give the best outcome. From the way that he was improving throughout the entire week, you could tell how shocked everybody was when this happened.

When the time came to pack up and leave the Orpheum, all the contestants who were cut had to leave. The family/friends of the contestants who made it, we're all lined up in out front, waiting to go in to see their contestant. Taylee & I were outside waiting for him to come out at this time. When he finally did, and our time came to walk to our Uber.. we had to walk by that line of everyone (as did everyone else). As we started walking away, they all stopped talking and it got very quiet. We walked a few steps farther, & then we start hearing a couple claps.. & then a few more... & few more. We glanced back & everyone  was looking at Marcus, while clapping their hands & nodding their heads in disbelief.

WHAT A WAY to end this.

THANK YOU , American Idol ... for such an amazing experience, that has opened up so many doors! Since then, I'm proud to say that Marcus has had his new single premier on SIRIUS XM, signed to Warner Music- & now does music full-time!!!

Oh , & did I mention that American Idol gave Penelope her OWN commercial?! 

TV and Streaming | Chayce Beckham talks ‘American…

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Tv and streaming, tv and streaming | chayce beckham talks ‘american idol’ journey and the beatles song he’ll sing on the finale, the apple valley singer-songwriter talks about the music he'll perform and his hopes for the future..

A limousine delivered him to a town celebration and later took him to Vanguard Preparatory School, which Beckham says was the same as he remembered from his elementary school days.

“That’s where I performed my first talent show, the first live performance,” Beckham says of his boyhood version of “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, done when he was in fifth grade.

“I got to go sing on that same stage, on the same microphone,” he says, laughing. “They have the same sound system they had whenever I was there.”

Chayce Beckham, a 24-year-old singer from Apple Valley, performed four times on “American Idol” on Sunday, May 16, 2017, earning enough votes to advance to the Top 3 and finale on Sunday, May 23. (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC)

Chayce Beckham of Apple Valley, California performs on Sunday, May 9, 2021. He performed Coldplay’s “Magic” and an original song, “Mama,” for his mother. When the results were announced he advanced to the Top 5. (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC)

Chayce Beckham, 24, a heavy machinery operator from Apple Valley waits to perform on “American Idol” during its 19th season. He advanced to the Top 12 on Monday, April 12, 2021. (Photo by ABC/Eric McCandless)

The Vanguard kids asked about his time on “American Idol” this season, peppering him with questions about the kind of fame that’s still just a bit in the distance.

“They’re all asking me, ‘How much money do you make? How much do you pay all these people to work for you?’” Beckham says. “And I was like, ‘Oh, to be in fifth grade again.’”

The stage and the microphone might be the same, but Beckham is on the brink of something entirely new and exciting.

On Sunday, he’ll sing three songs during the finale where he’ll face off with fellow finalists Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler. Win, place or show, Beckham’s life will be forever changed.

When we first met Beckham, he’d just advanced to the Top 10 on “American Idol,” his voice and a compelling background connecting strongly with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, and with viewers who’ve voted for him all season.

The next week, when the show flew its 10 contenders to Disney World in Florida, Beckham says he initially struggled to find a Disney song that fit his raw and authentic style, before stumbling onto the unexpected choice of “Baby Mine” from “Dumbo.”

“I was sitting in a hotel room in Florida with Hunter Metz (a fellow contestant), and I think neither one of us were very happy with the choices that we had initially,”  Beckham says. “So we were kind of looking through some songs and trying to find some stuff that was like a little bit more obscure, and he said, ‘Baby Mine.’”

They listened to the original from the animated classic, and Beckham says it connected.

“I thought, ‘Really cool intro,’ and we kind of just picked up the chords real quick,” he says. “And I just started playing it the way that I played it on the show. Like I was kind of singing one of my own songs.”

The next two weeks Beckham finally did play some of his original work, a decision that paid off not only on the show but on the iTunes charts, too.

For the show that aired on Mother’s Day, he chose “Mama,” a song he wrote during Hollywood Week in December, inspired by all that his mother has done for him as a boy and when harder times arrived as a young man, too.

“I thought about all the things my mom had to do just to raise us, and all the things she overcame, and how it kind of led up to me being able to chase my dreams,” he says. “I called her after about 15 minutes of writing it, and I said, ‘Hey, listen to this song I wrote for you.’

“And I sang it to her and she started crying, and I started crying. Kind of that’s my only way of being able to actually communicate what I really feel, because I can’t always say it.”

A week later, Beckham performed another original, a song titled “23” for the age he was when he wrote the autobiographical tune.

“That was a big turning point in my life,” he says. “A lot of things around me were changing. And I wrote it and I just kind of kept it in my pocket and played it for people here and there.

“It was never anything that I was banking on, or I was like, ‘Hey, listen to this great song.’ People would tell me, ‘Man, that song is going to be on the radio one day,’ and I was like, ‘There’s no way,’ because I just couldn’t picture it.”

Released to iTunes a week ago, “23” reached No. 2 on the main singles chart before dropping a few spots behind acts such as BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, and a Marshmello/Jonas Brothers collaboration. It’s still No. 1 on the country chart.

“It blows my mind that something I wrote a year ago, you know, that so many people can connect to that,” Beckham says. “What I was trying to accomplish with that song was just letting people connect to it whichever way they want.

“If they’re drinking and they’re partying and they want to listen to that song, then so be it,” he says. “Or if they’re really thinking about their life, and some of the mistakes they’ve made, then that song can help them that way too.

“I just want it to be one of those songs that will help people have a good time or feel better in one way or another.”

On the finale, Beckham chose the Chris Stapleton song “Fire Away,” will reprise his take on Ed Sheeran’s “Afterglow,” and then tackle the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” a song the judges chose for him to sing.

“Chris Stapleton is one of the greatest songwriters of all time in my opinion, for country music, for all music,” Beckham says of the singer-songwriter whose “You Should Probably Leave” he performed earlier in the season. “I feel like I could have done the whole season and just done Chris Stapleton songs. That’s how much I love his music.”

Stapleton and the Zac Brown Band, who Beckham also performed on the show, are examples of the kind of genre-busting artist he hopes to become, he says.

“That’s just the kind of music that I want to make,” Beckham says. “People are like, ‘Oh, here’s this guy: Is he country? Is he not country?’ They just embody that idea that you don’t have to stick to just country, you don’t have to stick to just blues, you don’t have to stick to just reggae. They play it all.”

As for the gentler balladry of “Blackbird,” Beckham admits he was initially surprised when the judges told them they’d chosen it for him.

“I was expecting something a little more out of left field,” he says. “I was like, ‘OK, cool, we can do that.’”

When the show coaches and producers working with him on his rendition pressed him to think about how the song related to him, Beckham says he wasn’t sure it actually did.

“And then I started listening to it,” he says. “And I was like, ‘Holy (cow), it really does kind of tell my story, just in a different way. You know, taking your broken wings and learning how to fly, and all your life you’ve probably been waiting for this moment to arise.

“That’s literally what happened to me on my ‘Idol’ experience, you know. So I think that they may have picked that because it really represents my story very well.”

With one show to go, Beckham believes that no matter the outcome on Sunday his time on “American Idol” will have launched his career. And that’s something he can’t wait to get started.

“They set me up to release the first song that I ever released in my life,” he says. “I feel like they’ve set me up so well to where I can put music out, and now people are going to hear it.

“I think it’s super important to take the momentum that you have and keep going with it,” Beckham says. “And not say, ‘Oh man, this crazy show’s over with, I’m going to relax for a month or two.’

“I think it’s important for me to get out of this and hit the ground running.”

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‘America’s Got Talent’s 9-Year-Old Singer Journeyy Steals Show: 7 Things to Know About the Performer

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[Spoiler Alert: This contains spoilers from America’s Got Talent , Season 19, Episode 8.]

America’s Got Talent ‘s ongoing 19th season wrapped its audition process with some insanely gifted performers, one of which was young singer Journeyy Belton, otherwise known simply as Journeyy.

The crooner stole the hearts of judges Simon Cowell , Howie Mandel , Sofia Vergara , or Heidi Klum , including host Terry Crews as he presented them with the original song, “Paradise.” Needless to say, it was an easy yes from all four judges who granted Journeyy access to the next round of the competition which won’t pick up until after the Olympic games.

Until then, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the potential superstar, Journeyy Belton.

Trae Patton/NBC

America’s Got Talent Was Journeyy’s First Time on a Plane

In the opening segment of his audition, Journeyy revealed that his trip to Los Angeles for America’s Got Talent was his first time ever traveling on a plane, making the experience extra special.

Journeyy Has a Favorite America’s Got Talent Judge

Before taking to the stage, Journeyy had an encounter with Howie backstage as the judge asked him some fun questions about who his favorite judge was. When Journeyy spoke up to reveal that Simon was his favorite, Heidi butted in while standing beside Sofia to try and change his mind, but ultimately the kid crooner couldn’t be swayed.

Journeyy Is How Old?!

Journeyy is just 9 years old, but he sings with plenty of emotion that would make any tuned-in listener forget. His young age makes his talent all the more impressive.

Journeyy Is From New Jersey

When Journeyy got on the stage for his audition, he was asked by the judges where he was from, revealing that his family resides in Jersey City, New Jersey. Quite a long way from the Los Angeles-set competition.

Journeyy Was Recognized Before the Competition

Howie Mandel Makes 14-Year-Old Singer Cry With 'AGT' Golden Buzzer Pick

As Journeyy stood on stage to begin his audition, Simon informed him that one of his friends had reached out about his talent, informing the judge that he had to reach out and get Journeyy on the show. “he said a couple of days ago, ‘You’ve got to see this video.’ And it was you. Anyway, we sent the video to the production team and then we found out that they’d already found you.” Simon told the boy. In other words, his time on AGT was fated.

Journeyy Already Has a Big Social Media Following

As Journeyy mentioned in his audition, the posting of his Hillsong United cover of “Oceans” garnered a lot of attention. “I just didn’t expect that recording videos at my house would lead to me being here right now. When I grow up I want to be a pop singer,” he revealed. Journeyy currently has 50K followers on Instagram and 112.8K followers on TikTok where he’s garnered 841.5K likes on his videos.

Journeyy Does Covers & Original Songs

Fans got a peek at Journeyy’s original song “Paradise” on his audition, but he’s also covered an array of artists ranging from Adele to Bruno Mars. He’s a rising star you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more from Journeyy and check out his audition, above.

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9-Year-Old Journeyy Impresses ‘AGT’ with Haunting Original Song ‘Paradise’

"You are somebody who has a God-given talent. And it's rare," Simon Cowell told the young star.

By Jessica Lynch

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As he began to play the opening notes of “Paradise,” the room fell into a hushed anticipation. His voice, soulful and rich, had a haunting quality reminiscent of Lana Del Rey , drawing listeners into his imaginative world of “purple clouds” and “automatic lullabies”.

The judges’ reactions were unanimously positive. Heidi Klum was the first to speak, telling Journeyy, “I’m very impressed by you. Nine years old, your parents must be super proud of you. I’m proud of you. I hope you’re proud of yourself. Very well done, you have a beautiful voice.” Journeyy’s parents and sister stood in the wings, wiping tears away and nodding in agreement.

Sofia Vergara , clearly moved, stated, “I love you,” prompting a giant grin from the young talent.

“I think this season we have so many cool kids. Super cool kids, you’re one of them,” she enthused. Howie Mandel , always ready with a quip, joked, “A long time ago, I was nine years old for almost a year, and I think you’re amazing.”

Simon Cowell , often the toughest critic, was full of praise. “You’ve just got it, haven’t you? I love hearing people write their own material. It’s a glimpse into who you are, and I really like you. Great things are going to happen to you. I can feel it.” He added, “You are somebody who has a God-given talent. And it’s rare.”

The impressive performance not only earned him a standing ovation but also four enthusiastic “yes” votes from the judges, securing his place in the next round.

@music.journeyy Full version. Thanks again to everyone for your kind words and blessings 🙏🏾❤️. #spiritleadme #hillsongunited #oceans ♬ original sound – Music.journeyy

“A couple of days ago, ‘You’ve got to see this video.’ And it was you. Anyway, we sent the video to the production team and then we found out that they’d already found you,” Simon said.

Despite his young age, Journeyy has already garnered a significant social media following , where his viral cover of Hillsong United’s “ Oceans ” caught the attention of both fans and industry insiders, paving his way to the show.

Check out Journeyy’s America’s Got Talent performance below.

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Micaela McCall Shares How Her 'American Idol' Journey Has Changed Her Life

Micaela McCall's journey as an artist is just beginning. The 28-year-old voice and piano teacher now living in Santa Barbara wowed judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan with an unexpected reimagining of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)" during the season 22 American Idol premiere last Sunday.

McCall shared with Ryan Seacrest on-air the Idol experience has already helped her when it comes to establishing herself as an artist.

"It's helped me grow a fan base so I can share my original songs finally," the music teacher shared, revealing the experience has been a dream come true.

Watch back the full interview above to hear her talent and catch American Idol on Sundays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Did Loretta Lynn's granddaughter make American Idol Top 10? Emmy Russell sings Selena Gomez

Emmy Russell 's American Idol journey took another step forward Monday night, singing for the chance to reach the Top 10 .

Russell − the granddaughter of country singer Loretta Lynn who has Kentucky ties − performed the Selena Gomez classic " Lose You To Love Me " in an effort to garner enough votes to reach the competition's next stage.

Emmy Russell on American Idol: Rewatch every time she's performed

Here's what you need to know:

'American Idol' singer Emmy Russell performs Selena Gomez's 'Lose You To Love Me'

Who made Top 10 'American Idol' 2024?

• Jack Blocker
• Mckenna Breinholt
• Julia Gagnon
• Triston Harper
• Sam "Kayko" Kelly-Cohen
• Mia Matthews
• Will Moseley
• Kaibrienne "KB" Richins
• Emmy Russell

Idol alum dies at 47: No foul play suspected in death of Christian singer Mandisa

Who went home from 'American Idol' 2024?

• Roman Collins
• Jayna Elise

'American Idol' singer Emmy Russell performs Bonnie Raitt's 'I Can't Make You Love Me'

Russell received support from fans as she sang the hit and had a little turbulence as she closed out the song. Nervous laughter overwhelmed the young singer as she finished. However, fans didn't seem to mind, voting her through to the Top 12.

What time is 'American Idol' on 2024?

Season 22 of "American Idol" airs at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT on Sunday and Monday nights on ABC. It streams on Hulu.

How do you vote for 'American Idol'?

A single fan can vote up to 30 times for their favorite contestant using three voting options, as each option allows for 10 votes per person. Fans can text 21523, visit the website or hit the app on Android or Apple .

Is Katy Perry leaving 'American Idol?'

According to  USA Today , Perry announced on “ Jimmy Kimmel Live! ” that she plans to leave “American Idol’ after her seventh season.

Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .