Season 23 hopeful Abi Bowen may have given one of the most memorable auditions in American idol HistoRy
During the premiere of the season of the singing competition, which aired on Sunday, March 9, Tennessee’s native tried to conquer her fear on stage as she went before the judges Carrie underwood, Luke Bryan AND Lionel Richie For a chance to win a golden ticket to Hollywood. She was inspired in audition by her late mother, Miriam Collinswho was a fan of the show before her death in 2023.
Before she started singing Bonnie Raitt“I can’t make you to love me” – the same Underwood song, 41, audited with again in 2005 – Bowen took the judges by surprise by leaving their table and donating a pair of sunglasses. She interpreted the song with the trio again, which eventually left their seats to stand before her.
The unusual audition left a big impression on judges in more ways than one. Bryan, 48, even compared Bowen with season 22 alum Emmy Russellthe legend of the country’s legend Loretta lynnwhich referred herself as “timid” during its audition last year.
While being impressed by the Voice of Bowen’s soul, Underwood asked her to consider what she wanted to get out of the competition – especially with live shows on the horizon.
Judges also teased that the Bowen-Ijo fashion eclectic sense entered the audition room wearing a large western hat, Bolo tie, a blue shirt and dark washed denim-did not help him mix with the crowd.
Despite her fear on stage, Bowen won her ticket to the next round, celebrating her first point with her husband and her young son, Stetson.
“This is something I would never have done before. … I have been dealing with Fright Fright Stage all my life,” Bowen said in an interview before its audition was broadcast. “This is a big step for me not only in music, but trying to do difficult things.”
Maren Morris, Luke Combs and Tori Kelly are among the stars that are rejected singing competition performances before their big vacation. Morris shared a photo of her Audition ticket American Idol from 2007 via Instagram in July 2022. “I didn’t make her pass the call of the first round cattle,” Morris admitted in the title. “I (…)
Bowen added that she has a “go with the flow” mentality, which helped her make the choice to put herself there. “I woke up one day and decided that I would simply do it and see what happens because no matter what happens, it’s an experience of life,” she said to appear in Idol.
Despite the show, it is rare for the reality TV contestants to be in to make friends, but making new connections was in mind for Bowen.
“You don’t understand how many stories there are in this, such a small world,” she said. “Like, you get to know all these people and you find out why they are doing it. And you know, some people have some pretty crazy stories and I’m really excited to hope to make friendships that last a life.”
American idol ABC broadcasts on Sundays at 8am et.
