Aaron Westberry’s ‘Heartbreak Tone’ Will ‘Melt Hearts’ On ‘American Idol’

Aretha Franklin’s young granddaughter has been rejected from American Idol after auditioning for the long-running talent show last month.15-year-old Grace Franklin didn’t advance from her audition on February 27. Speaking before her audition, she said: “I feel like people expect me to sing exactly like her, but I am my own artist and I have my own voice.”Performing a version of Roberta Flack’s ‘Killing Me Softly’ in the style of the Fugees‘ iconic cover, Franklin was told by judge Luke Bryan that the performance “was all just a little sleepy and subdued to me,” while fellow judge Katy Perry called it “soft”.Another performance, this time of her grandmother’s track ‘Ain’t No Way’, followed, but Franklin was unsuccessful in her attempts to reach the next round of the competition.Watch both performances below.Aretha Franklin died in August 2018 in Detroit at the age of 76.

audition, she had also never performed before she stepped on the stage in front of judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. The 18-year-old native of Boone County, West Virginia, shared the story of her difficult childhood, and being raised by her grandparents. Kelsie noted that her grandmother sadly died in 2021 after suffering complications from COVID-19. Noting that her grandmother «pushed her» to try things, Kelsie decided to «step outside» of her comfort zone in her honor.

A star is born. American Idol viewers met Kelsie Dolin during the second week of auditions — and she left a big impression.

It’s always a risk for an American Idol contestant to take on one of the judge’s songs — but sometimes, it pays off. Kezia “Lady K” Istonia brought Katy Perry to tears with her cover of “Wake Awake” during the Sunday, March 6, episode.

The next big thing? Kenedi Anderson more than impressed the judges during the Sunday, March 6, episode of American Idol, with Luke Bryan declaring that the 17-year-old “might be the biggest star we’ve ever seen” in the show’s history.

Katy Perry has had some pretty memorable moments during her time as a judge on American Idol, but a recent one allowed her to finally clear some things up regarding one of her biggest hits.MORE: Katy Perry taken aback by very surprising audition during American Idol premiereThe singer had a conversation with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as they talked about artists often adding too many unnecessary flairs to their singing.WATCH: Katy Perry's Chocotopia adventureLuke then started singing to Katy's hit Firework by performing the lines in the chorus as "up, up, up," and then "ah, ah, ah," to her annoyance."It's not 'up, up, up' and it's not 'ah, ah, ah'," she said, to which Luke retorted: "Well what is it then, because I've been dying to know all these years?"MORE: Katy Perry looks unreal in all-leather outfit"It's 'awe, awe, awe' everybody, get it right!" she said. Luke even questioned: "Is that a word in the dictionary?" to which Katy responded: "It is!"She even added on to the career-long debate about her song, saying: "It's not Fireworks, it's Firework."A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry)Katy cleared up what the lyrics for Firework really were for LukeKaty posted the clip on her Instagram with the caption: "FOR THE OFFICIAL RECORD • it is AWE not UP • it is FIREWORK not FIREWORKSSS.

Christian Guardino impressed the “American Idol” judges on Sunday’s episode with a show-stopping performance.

“Puberty really hit” with 20-year-old singer Luke Taylor.

Lady K dared to take on a Katy Perry song in front of the lady herself on Sunday’s “American Idol”, and her efforts paid off.

Mike Parker nailed a cover of Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” on Sunday’s “American Idol”.

Katy Perry was blown away by 17-year-old Kenedi Anderson's audition on Sunday's episode of American Idol and the teenager was awarded with a Platinum ticket.After singing Applause by Lady Gaga while she played the piano, Katy just held out a piece of paper and asked her to sign it.'I'm feeling threatened,' the 37-year-old pop superstar joked. 'They're younger. They're skinnier.

Luke Bryan is in Las Vegas for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards, and having to make the trip out to Sin City was the perfect excuse to check out Katy Perry's residency show.Bryan spoke with ET's Cassie DiLaura over the weekend after rehearsals for his performance at this year's star-studded celebration of country music, and the singer opened up about seeing his friend and fellow judge bringing down the house in her residency show at The Theatre at Resorts World Resort and Casino.«I came in a day early to just be able to [see her show], because it's gonna be really tough for our schedules to intersect,» Bryan shared. «So, I mainly did that just to put a lot of pressure on Katy so she could come see my show.»Bryan recently wrapped up his own residency engagement at Resorts World Las Vegas — and is preparing for a second round in the near future — and the crooner said he was really excited about how it turned out.«It was great! I couldn't be happier with how it all went. I mean, the show felt like it was one of the best shows I've been able to put on and perform,» Bryan shared. «And I've also learned that I can live one month in Vegas without getting sent to the grave.»«As far as round two, I always want to build on the Vegas show.

Kenedi Anderson just landed her biggest fan.

Keslie Dolin will bring you to tears.

Miss. America 2016 Betty Maxwell is ready for her next crown.

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, but this aspiring singer did it.On Sunday's , the judges are left speechless when they meet contestant Kenedi Anderson. In ET's exclusive sneak peek from Part 2 of the auditions, at first Perry, Richie and Bryan think nothing of her audition.

Leah Marlene is going to Hollywood!

Emily Longeretta “American Idol” debuted 20 years ago and has since launched the careers of many budding singers. The series premiered on Fox in 2002 with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

American Idol. “I was really close to my grandma,” she said in an introduction clip of herself. “I got to see her all the time.

Coming from famous families! Jim Carrey’s daughter, Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter and more celebrity kids have tried out for American Idol.

Aretha Franklin's granddaughter appeared on American Idol to show off her impressive vocal cords in front of the judges - but she didn't quite win them over.Grace Franklin, who is just 15-yeas-old, sang an incredible rendition of both Killing Me Softly and her grandmother's hit Ain't No Way.However, despite having an impressive voice and judge Katy Perry backing her every step of the way, she didn't quite win over Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.Lionel confessed he had been friendly with Grace's grandmother, and stated that he wanted Grace to go away and come back, because he wanted her to work on her confidence and performance.When Grace walked onto the stage in front of the judges, she sang beautifully, but confessed it was the first time she had done so in that kind of environment.Grace, who told the judges of her close relationship with her grandmother, who sadly died in 2018 aged 76, was praised by Katy Perry who urged Lionel to vote yes.Luke immediately said no, while Katy gave her the go-ahead, leaving just Lionel to have the final say.Lionel said: "Grace Franklin, I love you and I think the best thing for you in life is to take a shot at going backwards. Go back and get a running start and come at this again."Katy immediately stared him down which prompted Lionel to add: "Are you putting pressure on me?"A fuming Katy argued: "She's got startdust! Give her a shot.