On Sunday night’s “American Idol” episode, 16-year-old contestant Hailey Mia kicked off the second week of auditions by performing a towering rendition of Katy Perry’s song “Rise.”
Mia, who is from Clifton, gave a powerful performance, earning a standing ovation from Perry and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
“To be re-inspired by someone else singing?” Perry, who was clearly wowed, said following Mia’s rendition. “Full body chills.”
Bryan told Mia he sees “potential for top 10″ in Mia. He added that the audition was his favorite so far, while Richie echoed Bryan’s sentiments.
“Reinventing that song with your voice, you make it sound like yours,” Richie said.
With praise across the board, Mia received the golden ticket and moved forward to Hollywood.
On Instagram, Mia shared two posts Sunday night, holding her Season 22 golden ticket. In one of the posts, she shared the caption: “still can’t believe life is real rn. THE JOURNEY BEGINS!! make sure to keep tuning into @americanidol !!”
The Clifton teen is no stranger to reality talent shows. In 2021, Mia, who was 14 at the time, advanced to the finals on NBC’s “The Voice” and finished in fourth place after singing songs from Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish.
She originally blew “The Voice” judges away with her audition of Tate McRae’s hit song, “You Broke Me First.”
Time will tell if you finds the same success on “Idol.” She could appear on TV screens again as soon as March 24, when Hollywood week begins.
More ‘American Idol’ coverage
- How to watch ‘American Idol’ Season 22 Episode 2 (for free)
- Late country music legend’s granddaughter will make her ‘American Idol’ debut this weekend
- Ex-NFL player shocks ‘American Idol’ judges with audition after injury ruined his career
- Father of 5′s ‘American Idol’ audition scores platinum ticket, blows judges away
- See the emotional ‘American Idol’ audition that left Katy Perry in tears
- ‘American Idol’ judge leaving show after 7 seasons
Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.