'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'
UPDATED APR 24, 2023
'American Idol' contestant Oliver Steele performs an original song dedicated to his father (ABC)
'American Idol' contestant Oliver Steele performs an original song dedicated to his father (ABC)

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."

RELATED ARTICLES

'Oliver Steele is a no': Fans slam 'American Idol' singer for choosing song fitting location not voice

Who is Oliver Steele? Inspired by guitarist dad, singer appears on 'American Idol' in fifth attempt

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

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

RELATED TOPICS AMERICAN IDOL (2002)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Scott Patterson took to Instagram on Thursday to explain in depth why he will not be part of the new season of 'Sullivan's Crossing.'
16 hours ago
Season 8 of 'Outlander' is based on Diana Gabaldon’s ninth book in the series, 'Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.'
16 hours ago
Daryl Hannah finally addressed her role in 'Love Story,' saying the on-screen depiction isn't remotely close to her actual self.
18 hours ago
'The Pitt' Season 2 hints at a complicated dynamic between Dr. Santos and Dr. Garcia as subtle moments spark questions about their relationship.
19 hours ago
Written by Greg Berlanti and Bash Doran, 'How to Survive Without Me' marks Kaley Cuoco's latest TV project amid her lead role in MGM+'s 'Vanished.'
21 hours ago
'The Pitt' Season 2 sees Dr. Robby gearing up for a three-month motorcycle trip after several stressful months at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center
22 hours ago
Right after the big crossover, ABC gave fans a major ‘9-1-1’ update about the 2026–2027 television cycle
1 day ago
The 'Tulsa King' spinoff is set in Frisco, Texas, and it will see Jackson's mobster finally take on Dwight Manfredi
1 day ago
Morgan and Karadec are set to continue their chaotic yet heartwarming partnership as ABC renews the hit crime series for another season
1 day ago
The project titled 'Alexander' will focus on an unlikely friendship, a brutal war, and forbidden love
1 day ago