'American Idol' Season 18: Sophia Wackerman's stunning vocals have Katy Perry and fans calling her a 'star'
Katy Perry calls Sophia Wackerman a star and fans agree. The auditions on 'American Idol' Season 18 are underway as the series embarks on a journey to Savannah, Georgia, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, California and Sunriver, Oregon, where a slew of hopefuls audition for a chance to win a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan returned to their seats alongside host Ryan Seacrest and in-house mentor Bobby Bones. Auditioning for a chance to get a golden ticket was Sophia Wackerman, a Global Jazz studies major at UCLA who hails from Long Beach, California.
Prior to her performance, Sophia revealed that she comes from a musical family. Her dad was a drummer who played for James Taylor and toured with Frank Zappa. Her mother, Naomi Star, used to be a singer in the Moody Blues and she was also a background vocalist for Belinda Carlisle.
How cute is @SophiaWackerman?!#AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/RYIswywRoS
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 9, 2020
Sophia said that it was her mom who taught her everything and was an inspiration. Unfortunately, her mother died four years ago after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Sophia shared that she and her mom used to watch 'American Idol' together, and she is here now for a chance to grab a golden ticket to begin her own journey.
She performed a stunning rendition of 'Water' by Bishop Briggs. She had a unique range and a raspy voice. Luke and Katy both said that her tone is signature. Luke said she has a sparkle in her eye and this led to Katy calling her a star. Katy also said that Sophia is "several different threats" and added that she sees Sophia being one among the Top 10.
Without a doubt, she received three yeses and got her ticket to Hollywood. Taking to Twitter after the performance, fans said that her mother would be proud of her. They also resonated with Katy for calling Sophia a star.
Should @SophiaWackerman keep her name or change it to #SophiaStar?#AmericanIdol
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 9, 2020
"Sophia is a star! She's amazing. #AmericanIdol," a fan wrote. Adding to that another said, "OK @AmericanIdol Sophia Wackerman is a STAR! Goosies for days here! Goodness I am emotional! #AmericanIdol."
"Okay, okay... this girl is beyond words amazing.. she sure has the voice for #AmericanIdol @AmericanIdol! Sophia Star is A star!" a fan shared. While another wrote, "Sophia's mom would be so proud of her... she has the voice of an angel. #AmericanIdol."
"Sophia, has me crying. I don't know how I would go on without my mom. She's making her mom proud for sure! #AmericanIdol," a fan said. Another wrote, "Can we just end the show now? Ms. Sophia 'Starr' is the winner. #AmericanIdol @katyperry the momager knows it."
'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday night only on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.