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The American Idol judges aren’t just sussing out musical talent this season — they’re also picking up some new skills.
In Us Weekly‘s exclusive first look at the Sunday, March 16, episode of the singing competition, contestant Carsen Webb makes a grand entrance before singing in front of Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
“So, when I go to audition, I’m going to be bringing the judges some clogging shoes and some spoons,” the season 23 hopeful tells the camera.
In the audition room, Underwood, 42, is fully on board with the dance lesson. Bryan, meanwhile, had no shortage of jokes to supply.
“I can clog a toilet,” he teases, much to Underwood and Richie’s dismay.
American Idol is arguably television’s biggest, most influential platform for emerging artists over the past 23 years – including relatives of some very famous faces. From siblings of pop superstars to the children of Hollywood royalty, numerous Idol auditioners tried to carve out their own place in the spotlight. Some sailed through the audition rounds, (…)
When the trio emerges from behind the judges’ table, Bryan, 48, playfully refers to the spoons as “redneck maracas,” causing Richie, 75, to double over with laughter.
The country crooner quickly gives up on learning to play the instrument, instead opting to hug Richie. “Here’s my spoon,” Bryan quips, cuddling up to Richie in a big bear hug. “I’m spooning with Lionel.”
Eventually, their competitive sides come out. “Is this a spoon-off?” Underwood asks as her fellow judges enthusiastically start to slap their thighs.
Back in their seats, the superstars eagerly wait to find out whether Webb can sing — in addition to being an expert clogger. “I’d like to say I can, at least,” Webb teases before launching into a powerful rendition of “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims.
Idol fans will have to tune in on Sunday to find out whether Webb earns a ticket to Hollywood alongside a handful of other standout contestants from the season so far. Earlier this month, Abi Bowen surprised the judges by performing with her back to them during her audition due to her intense stage fright. Baylee Littrellmeanwhile, tugged at viewers’ heartstrings with an emotional original song — and a surprise duet with his famous father, Brian Littrell.
Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell got emotional watching his son, Baylee Littrell, chasing his American Idol dreams. The 22-year-old’s audition was shown during the Sunday, March 9, premiere of the singing competition’s 23rd season. New judge Carrie Underwood said she noticed something “familiar” about Baylee before he revealed his dad’s identity. “You must forgive me, (…)
“Obviously, growing up in the industry, a lot of people look at that as such a perk. But it’s not easy,” the 50-year-old Backstreet Boys singer said before his son’s audition. “I’ve always told everybody that he’s 10 times more talented than I ever was.”
While live-tweeting the season premiere on March 9, Underwood admitted she recognized Baylee’s last name right away.
“Not gonna lie, I saw the name on the sheet and when he walked in thought he looked awfully familiar. 🤔 More than anything, I wanted Baylee to know he had his own talent to stand on … such a pure and gentle voice,” she wrote.
American Idol airs on ABC Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.
