“American Idol” contestant Samantha Ray delivered an emotional audition on Sunday’s episode, paying tribute to her late sister, Taylor, who passed away in February from a drug overdose. Her performance left judge Carrie Underwood in tears.
Ray chose to sing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, a song filled with deep meaning for her. When Judge Luke Bryan asked what was on her mind while performing, she responded, “I was thinking about my sister a lot. She had two little boys, and knowing they don’t have their mom anymore is really heartbreaking. I’m here for her.”
Underwood, overwhelmed with emotion, was unable to speak immediately and gestured for fellow judge Lionel Richie to go first. After composing herself, she told Ray, “We didn’t know exactly what you were thinking about, but we knew you were feeling something. That’s what storytelling is—pulling people in. That was really special.”
Richie praised Ray’s ability to connect emotionally, calling her performance “perfectly executed,” while Bryan commended her for making the classic song her own.
All three judges gave Ray a yes, sending the 22-year-old stay-at-home mom to Hollywood.
“My sister used to sing too; this was her dream as well,” Ray shared after her audition. “Losing her felt like losing a big part of myself. She was everything. I wish she was here, but I know she’s watching over me.”
Story by Obaapa Janee/ahotoronline.com
Source: CNN
