Father-Daughter Duet on ‘American Idol’ Influences One Judge’s Decision
An aspiring contestant on “American Idol” received a second opportunity, thanks to her father and a change of heart from judge Carrie Underwood.
In the episode airing on March 16, Underwood reversed her vote from a no to a yes for contestant Mikaela Bautista after witnessing her emotional duet with her father.
Bautista first auditioned with a rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love for You,” which garnered acclaim but still left Underwood feeling uncertain.
“(You) undoubtedly have significant potential,” remarked the Grammy winner, who herself won “American Idol” in 2005, following Bautista’s audition.
“I sensed there were moments where nerves might have crept in or perhaps you were overthinking things. But you possess a beautiful voice. I’m trying to determine if we can work past the nerves and so forth.”
Judge Luke Bryan described Bautista as “solid on all fronts,” and Lionel Richie commended her for her “amazing control.” Yet, Underwood remained unconvinced.
Eric McCandless / Disney
“I would like to experience more emotion and a deeper connection in your performance. Unfortunately, it’s a no for me,” Underwood, known for “Before He Cheats,” stated before Bryan and Richie voted yes, securing Bautista a trip to Hollywood for the next round.
However, the situation shifted when Bautista’s family hurried to her side. Richie requested to meet her father, Vhen, who also has a singing talent. Underwood expressed interest in seeing them perform a duet, leading to a collaboration on Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer.”
Disney
Their spontaneous performance impressed the judges, with Richie humorously suggesting that Vhen is also heading to Hollywood. Underwood was particularly struck by Bautista’s ability to set aside her nerves during the duet.
“You weren’t focused on your nerves. You were simply singing,” she noted.
The duet inspired Underwood to change her initial decision.
“Can I revise my judgment? I would like to retract my earlier (vote), and now you have three yeses,” she declared, sending Bautista’s family into a joyous celebration as they embraced her.
Eric McCandless / Disney
Viewers who caught the moment on YouTube were enamored by the performance featuring Bautista and her father.
“I started crying thirty seconds into her singing with her dad!! So heartfelt!! Thank you!! Bravo!!” one viewer expressed.
“Mikaela delivers gracefully and truly shines in that duet. Her dad deserves a golden ticket too,” another commented.
“That duet with her dad was stunning,” was another enthusiastic message.
“Wow, why not have a father-daughter duo on American Idol? They are phenomenal together!” enthused another fan.
