'American Idol' 2022 Judges & Host Salaries Revealed - See Who Makes $25 Million!

audition, she had also never performed before she stepped on the stage in front of judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. The 18-year-old native of Boone County, West Virginia, shared the story of her difficult childhood, and being raised by her grandparents. Kelsie noted that her grandmother sadly died in 2021 after suffering complications from COVID-19. Noting that her grandmother «pushed her» to try things, Kelsie decided to «step outside» of her comfort zone in her honor.

It’s always a risk for an American Idol contestant to take on one of the judge’s songs — but sometimes, it pays off. Kezia “Lady K” Istonia brought Katy Perry to tears with her cover of “Wake Awake” during the Sunday, March 6, episode.

The next big thing? Kenedi Anderson more than impressed the judges during the Sunday, March 6, episode of American Idol, with Luke Bryan declaring that the 17-year-old “might be the biggest star we’ve ever seen” in the show’s history.

Katy Perry has had some pretty memorable moments during her time as a judge on American Idol, but a recent one allowed her to finally clear some things up regarding one of her biggest hits.MORE: Katy Perry taken aback by very surprising audition during American Idol premiereThe singer had a conversation with fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan as they talked about artists often adding too many unnecessary flairs to their singing.WATCH: Katy Perry's Chocotopia adventureLuke then started singing to Katy's hit Firework by performing the lines in the chorus as "up, up, up," and then "ah, ah, ah," to her annoyance."It's not 'up, up, up' and it's not 'ah, ah, ah'," she said, to which Luke retorted: "Well what is it then, because I've been dying to know all these years?"MORE: Katy Perry looks unreal in all-leather outfit"It's 'awe, awe, awe' everybody, get it right!" she said. Luke even questioned: "Is that a word in the dictionary?" to which Katy responded: "It is!"She even added on to the career-long debate about her song, saying: "It's not Fireworks, it's Firework."A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry)Katy cleared up what the lyrics for Firework really were for LukeKaty posted the clip on her Instagram with the caption: "FOR THE OFFICIAL RECORD • it is AWE not UP • it is FIREWORK not FIREWORKSSS.

Christian Guardino impressed the “American Idol” judges on Sunday’s episode with a show-stopping performance.

“Puberty really hit” with 20-year-old singer Luke Taylor.

Mike Parker nailed a cover of Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” on Sunday’s “American Idol”.

Kenedi Anderson just landed her biggest fan.

Keslie Dolin will bring you to tears.

Miss. America 2016 Betty Maxwell is ready for her next crown.

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, but this aspiring singer did it.On Sunday's , the judges are left speechless when they meet contestant Kenedi Anderson. In ET's exclusive sneak peek from Part 2 of the auditions, at first Perry, Richie and Bryan think nothing of her audition.

Leah Marlene is going to Hollywood!

Emily Longeretta “American Idol” debuted 20 years ago and has since launched the careers of many budding singers. The series premiered on Fox in 2002 with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

Coming from famous families! Jim Carrey’s daughter, Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter and more celebrity kids have tried out for American Idol.

Aretha Franklin’s legacy will live on forever, and now, we’re getting another reminder of how far her influence has extended.Over the weekend, fans got to see the legend’s 15-year-old granddaughter, Grace, audition for Season 20 of American Idol, proving that singing runs in the family.“I was really close to my grandma,” the teenager said during the episode on Sunday, February 27. “I got to see her all the time.

Viral TikTok babysitter Delaney Renee’s incredible “American Idol” audition aired on the season 20 premiere Sunday.