Julia Gagnon Impresses With Whitney Houston Cover on ‘American Idol’

The celebs got here out because the Rock Corridor class of 2024 was unveiled to the world Sunday night time (April 21) throughout ABC‘s American Idol.

One other star-in-the making, Julia Gagnon, used the special day to announce herself as a robust candidate for this 12 months’s title.

For a shot on the prime 12, Gagnon, the faculty pupil from Cumberland, Maine, wore a protracted pink costume and rows of pearls, and channeled the “best singer of her era” — Whitney Houston.

Gagnon and the opposite prime 13 contestants carried out songs by Rock And Rock Corridor of Fame inducted artists, and two extra contestants had been eradicated.

Gagnon delivered with a rendition of “Run To You,” by class of 2020 singer Houston, which appeared on The Bodyguard soundtrack.

Throughout the season 22 auditions, Gagnon shared the story of her powerful upbringing. Born in Guatemala, and put up for adoption as a child, the teenager was raised by a loving household within the U.S. In school, she skilled bullying, however she discovered her voice by means of singing.

Curious of her background, Gagnon went and positioned her beginning mom. The Idol stage would supply a platform for the contestant to “do one thing for” her beginning mother. “I felt actually helpless, as a result of I can’t go to her in Guatemala. It’s actually far. However she’s actually pleased with my voice,” she mentioned in the course of the auditions. “And she or he wished to see me do one thing huge.”

There was nothing small about her efficiency on Sunday night time, which showcased her vocal energy and vary. A standing ovation awaited from the viewers and the three judges: Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. And on she advances, into the ultimate dozen.

Gagnon wasn’t the one must-see second on Idol.

Throughout the present, Ryan Seacrest and Rock Corridor inductee Lionel Richie revealed the Rock Corridor of Fame’s Class of 2024. As beforehand reported, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, stalwart pop icon Cher, roots rock jam band Dave Matthews Band, stadium rock hitmakers Foreigner, guitar professional Peter Frampton, funky R&B legends Kool & the Gang, metallic god Ozzy Osbourne and alt hip-hop progenitors A Tribe Known as Quest are all getting into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame this 12 months within the performers class.

Watch Gagnon’s efficiency in the course of the Rock Corridor-themed episode of Idol beneath.