'American Idol' 2023: Who is Cay Aliese? Father Nolan Neal's death inspired singer to audition
DANDRIDGE, TENNESSEE: 'American Idol' will drop a new episode on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 10.30 pm ET on ABC. A number of contestants will perform in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan to win a gold or platinum ticket to move on to the Hollywood Week phase of the competition.
The competition has been heating up these past few weeks, with some talented singers advancing, like Tyson Venegas, Nutsa Buzaladze , and Olivia Soli. One young artist who is ready to take the stage by storm in the upcoming episode of Season 21 is Cay Aliese, a 24-year-old singer/songwriter from Dandridge, Tennessee. Cay is the daughter of country legend Nolan Neal, who died recently. Cay has revealed that it was her father, 'The Voice' alum, who inspired her to pursue music. Continue reading to know more about this multifaceted artist.
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Who is Cay Aliese?
As a graphic designer, a mother of two, and a moving soul and Christian singer-songwriter from Tennessee, Cay Aliese wears many hats. The 'American Idol' contestant stated in a TikTok video that she married her husband Jordan when she was just 19 years old. With two children, Asher, 3, and Ember, approximately 2, she stays at home to raise them. Aliese oversees a group named The Deep Worship while concentrating primarily on singing. It is both a band and a group that promotes interfaith harmony.
She considers herself a Christian and desires to "be a light to the world." As a child, Cay used to play the piano alone in her room and it was her father Nolan who inspired her passion for music. Nolan Neal, Cay's father, was a gifted singer-songwriter who had a number of record deals and participated in TV competitions like season 11 of 'The Voice' and season 15 of 'America's Got Talent'.
Cay has admitted that her father battled addiction and ultimately succumbed to it last year after an accidental overdose. She claimed that music was her way to communicate her feelings and to give herself a safe haven. The singer explained how this event turned into one of her motivations to try out for the show. 'Safer To Hate', 'Send Me A Butterfly', 'Ruins', and 'Polish All The Pieces' are just a few of the singles she has released.
Cay Aliese on 'American Idol' Season 21
Following in the footsteps of her well-known father, Cay will be seen performing in front of the judges during the 'American Idol' audition phase. She has disclosed that at the Las Vegas round of auditions, she performed her original song, 'The City of Nashville', which is about her father. She didn't say how the audition went, but she expressed the hope that her music and her story would encourage others to pursue their goals.
Don't forget to catch Cay's audition to know whether she received the golden ticket or not! Watch the new 'American Idol' episode on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 10.30 pm ET on ABC, following the Oscars ceremony.