'American Idol' Season 18 Episode 3: Jordan Jones proposes to his girlfriend at audition after getting 3 yeses
The new season of 'American Idol' is now well and truly underway in its 18th season and we were just treated to a whole new selection of new faces and promising talents on Sunday night's episode.
To balance things out, we're also seeing the return of some familiar names like Bobby Bones, the show's fulltime mentor, and Ryan Seacrest, the long-serving host. And of course, there's our beloved, hilarious, erudite judging panel: Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. They've been sharp and pointed when required, and warm and effusive when you least expect it thus far, so this season is already shaping up to be an audience heartwarmer.
One of the stand-out stories in the third episode of 'American Idol' was that of Jordan Jones. He's a 26-year lounge pianist from Scottsdale, Arizona, and blessed with nimble piano-playing fingers and a melodious tenor voice. Singing 'Lovesong' by The Cure was a bit of a gamble, but Jordan managed to pull it off with his range, control and effortless charisma. Oh, and did we mention he has an amazing girlfriend? Jordan didn't forget about her. In fact, he even asked the judges if he could bring his girlfriend, Leaira Gavern, into the room while the verdict was being given so that she could celebrate or commiserate with him, no matter what the ruling was.
The judges obviously gave Jordan three immediate yeses, and just like that, Jordan was through to the Hollywood round. But Jordan had one more surprise up his sleeve. We should have seen this coming when Leaira Gavern, his doting girlfriend, was described by Jordan as "probably the greatest person that has ever been made." Looking at her, Jordan said, "You know I love you right?" before dropping down on one knee and asking her to marry him.
Her response was swift and unquestioning, and the size of the ring that Jordan gave Leaira even astounded Katy Perry.
Lionel Richie's response, "Jordan, you old dog, I love it!", told its own story. The pleased judges wished the pair all the best for their future and told them to enjoy the ride out there.
Here's to the happy couple, and we hope that Jordan makes it far enough on the singing competition to guarantee a happy life for him and Leaira for many, many years.
