Scorecard Research Beacon
Search Icon
Culture March 31, 2025

This 'powerful' audition had Lionel Richie leaping from his chair on 'American Idol'

WATCH: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie talk ‘American Idol’

Canaan James Hill's audition on Sunday night's episode of "American Idol" wasn't just emotionally moving, it was physically moving too.

Canaan introduced himself as a 17-year-old from Dallas, Texas, who graduated high school early and was getting into preaching.

After the brief introduction, he broke into Earnest Pugh's 2011 song "I Need Your Glory."

The rendition prompted "Idol" judge Lionel Richie to leap from his seat, dance and approach Canaan to express his appreciation for his impressive voice.

Fellow "American Idol" judge Luke Bryan also hollered in amazement as Canaan sang.

Watch the entire performance here.

PHOTO: Canaan James Hill with Lionel Richie on "American Idol," episode released March 30, 2025.
ABC
Canaan James Hill with Lionel Richie on "American Idol," episode released March 30, 2025.

After the performance, Richie approached Canaan, placing both hands on the contestant's shoulders.

"That was powerful," said Richie. "You have been so blessed."

Son of Backstreet Boys member hopes to advance on 'American Idol'

"Are you OK?" judge Carrie Underwood as Richie returned to his desk.

"No, I am not OK. Look where my seat is. I had to sit back here to listen," he said, pointing out how far his seat had been moved as he watched the performance.

"That was something so spectacular. I just can't even describe what I heard," he added.

Editor's Picks

Richie wasn't the only judge thoroughly impressed by Canaan's performance.

PHOTO: Canaan James Hill with Lionel Richie on "American Idol," episode released March 30, 2025.
ABC
Canaan James Hill with Lionel Richie on "American Idol," episode released March 30, 2025.

Underwood said she was left "speechless" by the Canaan's singing and Bryan said he had "never seen anything like it."

Lionel Richie, Robin Roberts return to their roots in Tuskegee, Alabama

After a unanimous "yes" vote, Richie gifted Canaan with a "Platinum Ticket."

"It means you can bypass the first round of Hollywood, and you get to sit back and watch all the people you're gonna slay," Richie said, while handing Canaan one of three highly coveted tickets that "Idol" judges can award contestants.

"Hollywood Week," where contestants try to continue their dreams of singing their way to stardom, kicks off on Monday.