'American Idol' Season 18 Episode 3: Judges call Shannon Gibbons a barometer for future auditions
The 18th season of 'American Idol' is now upon us. We're once again super-pumped and pleased to see the old gang once again: The ever-present host Ryan Seacrest and fulltime mentor Bobby Bones, along with the witty, charming, and sagacious trio of Katty Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Since the singing competition restarted its run a fortnight ago, we've been consistently wowed with some wonderful performances. And Sunday night's Episode 3 was no exception. It was certainly one of the most memorable episodes so far, in terms of the singing talent on display, both good and bad.
However, one of the brightest spots in tonight's episode came courtesy of Shannon Gibbons, a talented young vocalist from Bellport, New York. The 20-year-old singer, who truth be told, would not look out of place performing on stage at Woodstock 1969, is already a full-time singer for her hometown band, The Om-en. She began singing when she was just four or five, so music has evidently been her calling for as long as she's been walking.
Shannon and her family are longtime fans of the show; she even admitted that as a youngster, while watching previous seasons of the show with her family, she would treat them to an impromptu 'American Idol' concert while standing on the coffee table and belting songs at the top of her lungs. So it came as no surprise that her entire family came out to support Shannon when she decided finally decided to audition this year. That support is certainly much-appreciated since Shannon revealed that she has been struggling with depression for as long as she's been singing. This girl's a brave one and she's turned to music as the healing savior that would take her mind off her mental health issues and allow her to follow her dreams - and she's succeeded.
Going by her audition, it looks like all those years of singing have paid off for Shannon, bigtime. Choosing to sing 'I'd Rather Go Blind' by Etta James, Shannon's massive, soulful, spellbinding voice floored us from the get-go. Possessing a depth and maturity that goes far beyond her tender years, one could really hear the pain and emotion of the song being translated through her impassioned voice and vocal runs.
It was one of the best performances on that episode by far, and the judges were visibly moved. Lionel Richie was amazed by her calm stage presence and said it was time for her to go to the next level. Katy Perry admitted that people like Shannon were the reason that she kept coming back to this show, and half-jokingly refused to let any more people through to Hollywood unless they proved that they were as good as the young Shannon Gibbons. "It's our new barometer," said Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry agreed, saying that future 'Idol' auditioners now had a new "Shannon Standard" to live up to.
And people were similarly wowed by her voice on social media! "Baby, Shannon is the only singer that made me want to tweet tonight! I felt that in my soul" said an amazed viewer. Other fans were applauding both her courage and strength as well as her phenomenal voice, saying "Depression is real! Thanks, Shannon for being fearless and vulnerable by bringing it into the conversation. And Shannon you have a soulful voice that is [bettered] with struggle and filled with the ability to thrive! Gave me chills!" Yet another proud longtime follower revealed, "Love you sooo much Shannon! I’ve always admired you as a performer all through high school and now look at you, I’m so proud of the artist you’re becoming and I am humbled to know you as a person. Love always!" It seems that the outpouring of love for Shannon is sure to stand her in good stead for this year's competition! We wish her all the best in Hollywood!