Season 23 Hope Abi Bowen may have given one of the most memorable auditions of American idol history.
During the premiere of the singing competition season, which was broadcast on Sunday March 9, the native of Tennessee tried to conquer her fear of the scene as she was heading before the judges Carrie Underwood,, Luke Bryan And Lionel Richie To have a chance to win a gold ticket for Hollywood. She was inspired by hearing by her deceased mother, MIRIAM COLLINSWho was a fan of the show before his death in 2023.
Before she started singing Bonnie Raitt“I can make you love me” – The same song Underwood, 41, auditioned with in 2005 – Bowen took the judges by turning away from their table and carrying a pair of sunglasses. She interpreted the song with her return to the trio, which ends up sneaking away from their seats to stand in front of her.
Unconventional hearing has left an impression on judges in more than one way. Bryan, 48, even compared Bowen to the Alun of season 22 Emmy Russellgranddaughter of the country legend Loretta Lynnwho qualified as “shy” during his own hearing last year.
Although she was impressed by Bowen’s moving voice, Underwood urged her to consider what she wanted to get out of the competition – especially with live shows on the horizon.
The judges also teased that the sense of eclectic fashion of Bowen – it entered the hearing room with a large western hat, a Bolo tie, a blue shirt and a dark denim – did not quite help to blend into the crowd.
Despite his fear of the scene, Bowen obtained his ticket for the next round, celebrating the milestone with her husband and his young son, Stetson.
“This is something that I would have absolutely never done before. … I was dealing with the fear of the scene all my life, »Bowen said in an interview Before the broadcast of his hearing. “It’s a big step for me not only in music, but by proving that I can do difficult things.”
Maren Morris, Luke Combs and Tori Kelly are among the stars that have been refused by song competition shows before their big breaks. Morris shared a photo of her American Idol hearing ticket from 2007 via Instagram in July 2022. “I failed to make the cattle call in the first round,” admitted Morris in the legend. “I […]
Bowen added that she had a “Go with the Flow” mentality, which helped her choose to get there. “I have sort of woke up one day and I decided that I was just going to do it and see what’s going on because whatever happens, it’s an experience of a life,” she said about the appearance on Idol.
Regardless of the show, it is rare that the competitors of reality TV are there to make friends, but making new connections was the mindfulness for Bowen.
“You don’t realize how many stories there are such a small world in this world,” she said. “Like, you get to know all these people and find out why they do. And you know, some people have quite crazy stories and I am really excited to make friendships that last a lifetime. “”
American idol broadcast on Sunday ABC at 8 p.m. he.
