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'American Idol' 2023: Oliver Steele touches fans' hearts as he dedicates original song to dad on dialysis

Toby, Oliver's father, was brought into the audition room to witness him perform Eric Clapton's 'Change The World'

BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' season 21's top 20 were revealed on April 23 during the three-hour event. After a series of health scares, Oliver Steele couldn't help but dedicate his original song 'Too Soon' to his father, his biggest influence, and fans were moved.

Oliver was the final auditionee for 'American Idol' Season 21. Toby, Oliver's father, was brought into the audition room to witness him perform Eric Clapton's 'Change The World.' The judges were brought to tears by Oliver's performance. Katy Perry informed Oliver after receiving the golden ticket, "You could win this thing."

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Oliver dedicates first original song to his sick father

Oliver performed on the death spot in Hawaii. He's pleased to know he's safe! His father, who had a stroke, was hospitalized for weeks and is now on dialysis. It's the first original song of the evening. He misses one note, but otherwise it's a lovely vocal performance. Luke Bryan praises his songwriting abilities, giving them a "10 out of 10." Lionel Richie describes Oliver's father as "a great parent," and adds, "Your talent is on fire." Oliver's first original, according to Katy, and he's "growing." He penned the song a few years ago, but only recently recorded it.

'Making hits already!'

Impressed with Oliver's songwriting skills, a fan wrote on Twitter, "Oliver Steele crooning, his original 'Too Soon' with the electric guitar in hand. Softer vocal approach on most of this that really made it pop when the rasp came back in. A few notes went awry but he set a mood throughout. #AmericanIdol #IdolTop20Reveal Great song!!" Another person chimed in, "Oliver did such an amazing job, especially performing his own song!" One Twitter also wrote, "Oliver steele's original song is amazing tonight, And he sounded amazing tonight." While a fourth person tweeted, "I love how much Oliver loves his dad."

While praising his song, a fan wrote, "Whoa, that song Oliver wrote was so great. Love his voice. He’s my fave tonight so far." Calling his song a hit, a fan wrote, "An original song? Oliver you out did yourself making hits already!" Others agreed, "actually like oliver tonight.. wasnt a fan before ... but right song for him." Another added, "I have a very strong feeling that Oliver Steele has a #1 song on ITunes tomorrow! I just added to my library!"

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC

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