american idol the auditions took a strange turn when Julia Davo performed for the judges Katy Perry, Lionel RichieIt is Lucas Bryan during Sunday’s episode.
Declaring that she wanted to be “America’s next female rock star,” 20-year-old Julia auditioned for David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?”
The audition didn’t draw much enthusiasm from the judges, except for Richie, who defended Julia by saying she reminded him of an old Lady Gaga.
But then things took a strange turn. Julia shared that her “best friend” was her ex Idol contestant Alyssa Raghu, who auditioned for the show in 2018 and then competed in 2019, reaching the Top 8.
In fact, Alyssa was waiting outside the audition room, apparently to show her support for Julia. She entered after Julia was rejected from moving on, giving the judges a hug.
“I know you said my voice would grow by the time I was 21, and you said that when I was 15. But just for laughs, I would love to sing something for you,” Alyssa told the judges.
She then sang “My All” by Mariah Carey.
Perry told her, “You’ve grown up!” but then, when Alyssa hints that she wants to compete this season, Perry puts her head in her hands, saying, “Wait, what are you telling me? You’re telling me you want to try out for this season, six years later?”
“I know it’s in your hands, but why not?” Alyssa says.
Perry calls the scenario a “very strange plot twist,” saying he doesn’t think the contestant can win the show. But Luke Bryan seems more interested in the controversial fake audition. Both Richie and Bryan vote to move Alyssa forward while her friend makes another desperate plea to be considered.
“I have to go,” Perry declared in shock, getting up from the judge’s table and walking away.
Julia then hugged Alyssa after the audition, telling her she “deserved it.”
The moment didn’t go well online, with many criticizing Alyssa for hijacking her friend’s audition.
Alyssa later took to Instagram to share her side of the story, posting a photo with Julia and writing, “Definitely a bittersweet moment. What they didn’t show was me constantly begging Julia to go on the show with me, but unfortunately the judges said no. Being able to grow in this program is something so special to my heart. I want to thank the @americanidol family for teaching me so much over the years and showing me my most real moments. Many thanks to @juliadavo for true friendship and amazing memories. Thank you everyone for watching, stay tuned for the next episode!”
american idol airs Sundays at 8pm ET on ABC.
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