Season 23 of American Idol continued the audition phase on Sunday night as judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan traveled to New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville to find music’s next superstar. The two-hour episode aired Sunday, March 16 (8 p.m. ET/PT) with Ryan Seacrest hosting.
Country singer Bryson Quick made one of the night’s strongest impressions with his rendition of “Time” by Pink Floyd. The 17-year-old from Seymour, Tenn. strolled on set and revealed that his father, Alex, worked as Luke’s fishing guide at Blackberry Farm. “He took you fishing several times,” Bryson told the judge — with a photo to prove it. Carrie then jumped in the conversation, bragging, “I’ve been fishing at Blackberry Farm. I didn’t need a guide, though.”
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Following Bryson’s impressive performance, Carrie commented, “Whenever I hear somebody come in who wants to be part of the country crowd, I always think about hearing their voice in between other voices on the radio. I feel like yours stands out in a good way. I like the fact that you brought yourself into a Pink Floyd song. That was a smart call — and you’re pretty darn cute. I mean, that’s not everything, but it helps!”
“You’ve got the storyteller kind of voice,” Lionel added. “At first I thought, I’ve never heard this before. You don’t fit into the genre with that country voice. But then, that uniqueness is the part that rings the bell.” Luke compared the youngster to Season 19 champ, Chayce Beckham, and remarked, “You’ve got a big, powerful voice and a good range. You’ve got your own little style. We’re excited to see where things go and what happens to you.”
After handing Bryson his golden ticket, Luke called Chayce on the phone and asked for a favor: “Do you mind if we send a kid your way for a little inspiration? He’s kind of like a younger, better-looking version of you.” Chayce quickly fired back, “Kind of like I was with you?” All jokes aside, Bryson was officially booked for his first performance at the Grande Ole Opry.
Later that night, Bryson met up with the Idol champ at the iconic performance venue. “When Chayce walked in the room I couldn’t believe it,” the hopeful said. “I’ve heard him on the radio and I’ve seen him on the show.” Next, the 2021 winner pulled Bryson out on stage to join him for a performance of his hit song, “23.” Bryson shared, “Being able to step foot up there, where other greats that I’ve listened to my entire life played, just meant more than the world to me.”
Including Bryson, 12 artists advanced to Hollywood this week. A Platinum Ticket was given to Filo, allowing the 23-year-old to skip the first round of Hollywood Week.
Golden Tickets to Hollywood
The following hopefuls won over the judges this week and took home golden tickets to Hollywood:
Mikaela Bautista Age: 23 Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Audition: “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston
Landry Chaplin Age: 23 Hometown: Colleyville, Tex.
Audition: “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood
Filo (Upgraded to Platinum Ticket) Age: 23 Hometown: Dublin, Calif.
Audition: “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding
Josh King Age: 24 Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Audition: “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
Lashon Age: 25 Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Audition: “Woman” (original)
MKY Age: 25 Hometown: East LA, Calif.
Audition: “Ooo Baby Baby” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Isaiah Moore Age: 22 Hometown: Oneonta, Ala.
Audition: “Where the Wild Things Are” by Luke Combs
Bryson Quick Age: 17 Hometown: Seymour, Tenn.
Audition: “Time” by Pink Floyd
Victor Solomon Age: 26 Hometown: Peoria, Ill.
Audition: “Hello” by Lionel Richie
Grayson Torrence Age: 21 Hometown: Providence Forge, Va.
Audition: “Fall in Line” by Christina Aguilera feat. Demi Lovato
Brajawn Upshaw Age: 21 Hometown: Temple, Ga.
Audition: “lovely” by Billie Eilish & Khalid
Carsen Webb Age: 16 Hometown: Granite Falls, NC
Audition: “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims
The Season 23 auditions of American Idol continue March 23 on ABC.
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