'American Idol' 2024 fans drool over Jennifer Jeffries, label 17-year-old the 'winner' of ABC singing show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 17-year-old Jennifer Jeffries took the 'American Idol' Season 22 judges by surprise with her original song. The judges were not expecting the unique voice Jennifer possessed.
As the teen singer performed, the judges took a moment to admire her. Luke Bryan said, "I was not expecting that voice." Lionel Richie added, "I am sitting here thinking the same thing." Luke went on to dub Jennifer's voice "amazingly unique," and Katy Perry described it as having a "unique grit, oh god, it's so Mississippi." Luke added, "Like a little indie film soundtrack voice." Katy then claimed that Jennifer's voice was "so raw."
"What I am in love with is your uniqueness," said Lionel. When asked whether Jennifer performs in public, she replied that she sometimes goes to the bar to perform but can't always due to the age limit.
All three judges ended up saying yes to the teen contestant. Katy believes that Jennifer's voice holds hidden stardom, and all she needs to do is take the first step. She said, "Your soul is named for stardom."
A fan claimed, "Jennifer is the winner of @americanidol in my opinion." Another commented, "Jennifer you are something special." Another described her voice, "Took my breath away. So raw and such truth. Thank you!"
A fan said with certainity, "I have a feeling you are going to be the next big thing!" "She’s captivating," claimed another.
Jennifer Jeffries did not believe she would get into 'American Idol' Season 22 audition
The 17-year-old singer is a high school senior. Prior to the audition round, she confessed in her video, "I am feeling a little nervous."
She went on to mention that she submitted a video to 'American Idol,' not expecting to be selected. A short video clip was shown where Jennifer was interviewed for the show. In the clip, she expressed disbelief in her voice being good enough to make it to the audition.
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Jennifer Jeffries captures 'joy and pain' of life
When asked by host Ryan Crest, "Do you come from a big family?" Jennifer affirmed, "Yes, 9 kids total." Ryan was shocked, thinking it might be a rumor, but to his surprise, Jennifer confirmed it to be true.
Jennifer's parents have a total of 9 kids, and she is the youngest among them. She started writing original songs when she was just 9 years old.
Jennifer said, "The songs I write are about personal things, things I have gone through, the things I have witnessed." She added, "I write them so that people can connect with them and know they are not alone because a lot happens in your life, a lot of pain but a lot of joy, so I try to capture both."
Catch new episodes of 'American Idol' Season 22 every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC. The latest episodes will be available to stream next day on Hulu.