American Idol saved probably the greatest for final — Julia Gagnon.
Raised in Cumberland, Maine, the 21-year-old school scholar has hung out within the faculty of onerous knocks.
Gagnon was born in Guatemala, and put up for adoption as a child. Childhood within the U.S. was a blast, surrounded by a loving household. However she skilled bullying at school.
“In Maine, not lots of people appear like me. And it was actually onerous to take care of,” she defined within the pre-recorded spot. It nonetheless touches a uncooked nerve.
Gagnon was at all times interested in her start household, and in her late teenagers launched into a journey to search out them. Her father employed a non-public investigator, and in 2020 positioned her start mom, Sara.
“She did let me know that she didn’t need me to go,” Gagnon stated, although Sara conceded she wasn’t in a position to present a greater life.
The Idol stage would offer a platform for Gagnon to to “do one thing for” her start mother. “I felt actually helpless, as a result of I can’t go to her in Guatemala. It’s actually far. However she’s actually happy with my voice. And he or she needed to see me do one thing huge.”
For an newbie singer, there are few larger levels than Idol.
As the ultimate audition for season 22, Gagnon introduced out the large weapons. The hopeful sang Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t Not Means,” peppered with excessive notes, and low, really feel, management, energy and oozing soul. That huge factor, it occurred.
Proof of it got here when the judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie gave a standing ovation.
“Did that come out of your mouth,” Richie remarked. “I’m in shock. I grew up with Aretha Franklin. There are particular songs you simply don’t sing. As a result of you may’t contact the unique. You simply made it not solely your track, however you probably did issues that have been simply past. That was wonderful. That was completely excellent.”
Bryan was touched by her “wonderful falsetto,” and Perry was satisfied that she has “a number of soul singers” inside her.” Not only one. You would go actually far. You would be high 10.”
She’s definitely going to Hollywood. Gagnon earns the ultimate Platinum Ticket for the season.
Watch the efficiency from ABC’s American Idol beneath.
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