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Mother/daughter 'American Idol' audition makes Lionel Richie cry: 'That got me messed up' - Yahoo Entertainment

Mother/daughter 'American Idol' audition makes Lionel Richie cry: 'That got me messed up' - Yahoo Entertainment

Mother/daughter 'American Idol' audition makes Lionel Richie cry: 'That got me messed up' - Yahoo Entertainment
Mar 01, 2021 4 mins, 21 secs

But it was another duet between 19-year-old Ronda Felton and her devoted single mom, of a sentimental Commodores song, that had judge and former Commodore Lionel Richie in tears.

Opening up about her rough childhood, during which she and her mom were often homeless and living all over the country in shelters, in cars, or on friends’ couches, Ronda said of her mother’s sacrifice: “I know at time she felt she liked failed as a parent, but she did anything that helped us survive and just keep on going.”.

After Lionel handed her a tissue to dab at her tears, Ronda composed herself and belted the ballad version of Dreamgirls’ “One Night Only.” And it was a Jennifer Hudson wow moment.

“I was doing really well, until you came in and did something that no one has done tonight — which is touch me to the point of making me cry,” Lionel told Ronda.

And that was when Lionel’s tears flowed anew, when Ronda and her mother, Juretha Jones, stood holding hands in front of the judges and, upon Katy Perry’s request, sang their “song of celebration”: the Commodores’ “Zoom.” Juretha explained, “I personally love that song.

I love the way it makes me feel.” And without missing a beat, Lionel began reciting his “Zoom” lyrics to Ronda and Juretha — “I may be just a foolish dreamer, but I don't care/'Cause I know my happiness is waiting out there somewhere” — before joining them in a joyous impromptu singalong.

Lionel was rendered uncharacteristically speechless by the sweet moment (seriously, if you didn’t smile or tear up even just a little while watching this at home, you have no soul), as a beaming Luke Bryan bear-hugged him and called him a “badass.” Once Lionel pulled himself together, he reflected on the meaning of the Commodores song, which was written in 1977 but is just as relevant today (and not just because it has the word “Zoom” in its chorus).

You know, when I wrote that song I was deeply troubled, because I didn’t know where I was going,” Lionel confessed to Ronda and Juretha.

With her incredible attitude, incredible set of pipes, and incredible mother (who I dearly hope is headed to Hollywood as well, because Juretha deserves more screentime), Ronda is sure to go far on Idol.

As Luke put it after watching her sing, “That was a great performance, but I have big ol’ feeling it’s not your best performance to come.” However, joining Ronda in Hollywood will be a slew of talented kids (and possibly some of their moms), many of whom shared equally heartbreaking stories this Sunday about their difficult journeys to the Idol stage.

(“You are probably our best motivational speaker ever,” said Lionel.) His performance skills needed some work — he kept flailing his arms like a Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy, so distractingly so that Luke made him sing a second time with his hands in his pockets.

(“Do you drink coffee? Don’t. Don’t ever,” Katy advised Cecil.) But Luke thought Cecil’s reedy voice was “absolute perfection” and “really distinctive and interesting,” the perfect voice to fill Season 19’s “male country kid slot.” So, if Cecil lays off the caffeine, always wears pants with pockets, and learns to harness all that nervous energy, he could be top 10 material.

Luke even told Graham he possessed “one most listenable voices we’ve heard.” Graham admitted, “I don’t think I believe in myself enough,” which prompted Katy and Lionel to give him a stern, tough-loving pep talk.

“I push because I care,” explained Katy.

“I’m kind of in love with the idea of watching you grow on this show,” mused Lionel, while Luke declared Mary Jo top 10 material.

The poor girl was so nervous, and it showed — she simply could not stay in time, and she was shedding more tears than Ronda Felton and Lionel Richie combined.

(“We’re all on your team,” Katy assured her.) Said Christian, “I haven’t done anything big in life.

… I was enjoying the simplicity of your craft,” said Lionel.

Erika started off as a seeming joke contestant, obnoxiously hitting on her “soulmate” Ryan Seacrest, putting the “extra” in “extra-terrestrial,” and so extremely garbling her Katy Perry lyrics that Luke actually thought she was singing in a foreign language.

“I think you’re both annoying and good,” Katy told Erika?

“I think you’re likable — and I think that you might not think you are, and that’s why you’re putting all this on.

… I think no one has ever believed in you.” And all of a sudden, Erika tears poured.

Luke didn’t believe Erika would be able correct her many bad vocal habits, so he said no!

But while Lionel admitted, “I don’t get it,” he still gave her “a very sparing yes.” And Katy said, “I see you” and reasoned, “It’s easier to strip it out than build it up.

I don’t think even Erika saw it coming.

“I almost started crying when he hit that one note,” sighed Luke.

And yes, more semifinals predictions, as both Luke and Katy pegged Hunter as… wait for it… top 10 material.

Summarized by 365NEWSX ROBOTS

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