American Idol is introducing 26-year-old street performer from Hartlepool, England named Michael Rice who is winning hearts with his passionate voice.
Summary
- Michael Rice’s emotional audition on American Idol moved judges to tears, sharing his tough upbringing and reconnecting with his father at 17.
- He sang “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson in honor of his father, showcasing his raw emotion and inspiring backstory through music.
- Michael received a unanimous “yes” from the judges to go to Hollywood, demonstrating his potential to inspire others with his music.
Lionel Riche is calling Michael Rice’s audition the “most emotional” performance he’s witnessed on American Idol. American Idol season 22 premiered on February 18, 2024, with Lionel, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan returning as judges for the seventh time since the show’s revival in 2018. With one more audition episode left until Hollywood Week, it’ll be thrilling to see what lies ahead. Meanwhile, a 26-year-old street performer from Hartlepool, England is making his voice heard on the reality TV show.
“Growing up we didn’t really have much and um.. I’m just following my dream.”
American Idol posted a clip of Michael Rice’s audition in which he talks about his life across the pond before singing Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You.”
Michael admits that he wouldn’t have thought he would be standing in front of the judges in a “million years.” Michael reveals that his mom had him when she was 17 years old. He says that he and his mum practically grew up together while she was raising him. Katy mimics the way Michael says “together” which makes him giggle.
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American Idol Judges Hug Michael After Emotional Audition
Michael is from a place that is “rough” and doesn’t have many people because everyone usually ends up leaving the town. “It’s a hard life,” Michael adds in his interview. There were times when Michael’s mom wasn’t able to afford gas, but she still tried to put a roof over their heads. Michael’s dad wasn’t around because he had a drug addiction. Michael didn’t have a relationship with his father for the first 12–13 years. He remembers performing on the stage as a child while his eyes searched for his father. “I wish he was there,” he adds.
“It was tough.”
Michael and his dad reconnected when he turned 17. He told his son how proud he was of his singing, but Michael’s dad passed away after that from a heart attack related to drugs. It is the last memory Michael has of his father. He sang the song because it reminded him of his dad. Michael’s raw emotion as he belts out the lyrics, moves the judges to tears as they give him a standing ovation. Lionel tells Michael that he couldn’t “hold anything back” because of Michael’s emotional and giving performance.
There have been several instances where contestants have told the American Idol judges about their tragic backstories, but rarely does it happen that they can translate that tragedy into a song. Michael hopes to inspire everyone who’s been through a tough life like him with his music. He has a voice and an endearing personality to match, making him a special performer. Michael received a “yes” from all the judges who want him to go to Hollywood and continue his dream.
American Idol
airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: American Idol/YouTube
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
