‘American Idol’ Season 16 Premiere Recap [SPOILERS]

One of your favorite singing competitions is back! “American Idol” Season 16 premiered Sunday night with recurring host Ryan Seacrest and new judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. After airing on Fox for 15 years, the new season of American Idol continues on ABC for the first time. The audition started on August 17, 2017, with two bus tours in 22 cities. Take a look at these auditionees who passed the first audition and went in front of the producers where they were selected to appear before the judges.

New York City

The first stop of the auditions happened in New York City and kicked off with Caty Turner, a 17-year old girl from Langhorne PA singing an original song entitled “21st Century Machine.” According to Caty, her song talks about how social media affected her when she was younger.
Even before Caty started singing, she immediately got the attention of the judges with her swag and kind of weird character. The fact that she wrote her song amazed the judges as well.
When it comes to her overall performance, Perry said that she is a spectacular songwriter and Bryan added that she is exciting and brilliant beyond her years. And to add more praise to her performance, Lionel Richie said that he is fascinated with her brain and he described Caty’s writing as “crazy great.”
The auditions in New York City continues with Maddie Poppe. She impressed the judges with the song “Rainbow Connection.” Her story-teller voice helped her to pass through.
Another auditionee with the name KOBY showed her astonishing performance in New York. This 26-year old girl from Denver, Colorado sang her original song “Never Stops.” Her experience as a theatrical actress didn’t only help her in nurturing her voice, but also helped her to boost her confidence. But despite how high the confidence she has, the judges decided to say “No.” Lionel explained that her voice is not suitable for recordings and they are looking for an idol for pop music.

Ron Bultongez from Congo, Africa brought an inspiring story with him during his audition. He is an American immigrant and is also a survivor of an abusive home. He said that his chance from “American Idol” is a significant opportunity and will change his life forever.
He sang “Let It Go” by James Bay. His journey, however, was put to the test when Katy and Lionel said “No.” Katy said that he knew how to imitate, but she still doesn’t know him at all. But thanks to Lionel, who gave him the chance to come back with his own identity in the music industry.

Nashville

After New York, we go to Nashville. We begin with Harper Grace, who’s known as the 11-year old girl who sang the National Anthem in the worst possible way last July 30, 2012, in a soccer game. But instead of losing her self-esteem and confidence, she redeemed herself as she sang an original song called “Yard Sale.”

It seemed that judges couldn’t get enough with her performance so they asked if she could sing another song, to which Harper sang “Young, Dumb, and Broke.” All her dreams came true when the judges erased the word “maybe” in her dream board and replaced it with the phrase “going to Hollywood.”
Layla Spring showed up next to her adorable 7-year-old-sister, Dyxie. Dyxie sang “Blue” and got three yeses from the judges. They even offered her a ticket for 2026. With Layla’s performance, she chose to sing “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5. She might not be the best contestant on the show but as Lionel said, she’s a good voice, and this is enough for her to be in Hollywood for now.

Following Layla is Benjamin Glaze from Enid, OK. He is a cashier who has never been into a romantic relationship, and never kissed a girl too! But he got a kiss from Katy Perry anyway. Congratulations Benjamin, you didn’t just kiss a random girl, but it’s from the superstar singer Katy Perry!

And because of that, he has to ask for water to recover from Katy’s magical kiss. Benjamin then started singing “Levels” by Nick Jonas but got nos from the judges. At least he got his first kiss from Katy!

Los Angeles

Nico Bones brings his rock ‘n’ roll style to his “American Idol” audition. He sang a song called “Worms” but got three nos from the judges. The judges said they like him but not for “American Idol.” Noah Davis followed him with his beautiful rendition of Rihanna’s “Stay.” Nico sat down at the piano and gave his all–emotion, voice, and style then earned the golden word “Yes” from the judges.

Orlando

Next up is Alyssa Raghu from Orlando Florida. Her dad is her inspiration. Since her mom and dad separated, her father always got her back and supported her with all of her dreams, including Alyssa’s “Americal Idol” audition. She sang “Almost Is Never Enough” by Ariana Grande.

Katy said Alyssa sounded like she wasn’t 16 at all and her voice will grow more once she becomes 21. Because of her smooth and easy-on-the-ear voice, she’s going to Hollywood, and the judges are all excited to see her again.
Sardor Milano, the winner of X-Factor Russia, showed up in “American Idol” because he wanted a new style of music. He can sing the male and female voice–probably the reason why Sardor won X-Factor–but it wasn’t enough for him to be in Hollywood.

Zach D’Onofrio followed and sang “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. But before his performance, he brought socks with him and gave one each for the judges. The judges danced with him as he sang and got a yes from all the judges.
Dennis Lorenzo from West Philadelphia performed before the night ended. Dennis’s story is quite tragic because at five years old, Dennis’ dad got murdered. And now that he is a dad, Dennis wanted to be the best father to his child. Despite the wrong turns in his life, he goes straight to Hollywood after singing “Unaware” by Alex Jones.
“American Idol” continues Monday, March 12th at 8/7c on ABC.