'American Idol' Season 18 Episode 9: Louis Knight charms his way into the judges' hearts and enters the Top 20
Louis Knight, the star British import of the popular TV singing competition 'American Idol' can now add another feather to his hat — he's now officially in the Top 20.
It wasn't an easy climb to the top for Louis. He almost seemed to have lost his way a little bit in Hawaii, but his talent proved enough to see him through.
Louis had first made a big impression on the judges with his immense singer-songwriting chops, choosing to sing an original song he'd penned for a close friend, Russell, who had tragically taken his own life.
Channeling his turbulent emotions in the best artistic way possible, Louis had penned an ode to his late friend that proved to be a rousing hit at his audition. But he'd faded slightly after that initial strong showing during Hollywood Week, and fans of the 19-year-old pizza delivery boy from Philadelphia were hoping to see him rise to the occasion.
Considering he'd barely scraped through into the next round after Hollywood Week, Louis was a whirlwind of emotions during the Top 40 round in the Disney resort of Aulani, Hawaii.
He had his family along with him for support, and while Louis was thankful for their presence and encouragement, he also didn't want to let them or any of his fans down in future showings. The pressure was starting to rise, but Louis wanted to show that he had it in him to take the singing contest's top prize.
Recognizing that he needed to reconnect with his roots, Louis decided to sing a song by another celebrated British artiste — 'Castle On The Hill' by Ed Sheeran.
It was a good live performance, and the charming teenager sang it effortlessly, and with plenty of emotion to boot. Louis did admit that his vocals could have been stronger but was hoping he had done enough to get through to the next round.
To their credit, judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie recognized that the stress was getting to him. They felt that he was getting a bit distracted and disconnected from his initial objective — of singing from his heart.
"You need to get back to that place," said Katy, encouraging him to harness his emotions in a positive way. The judges, however, were betting on Louis to do considerably better in the next Hollywood rounds and graciously sent him through into the Top 20.
Louis' fans were ecstatic on social media on learning he'd gotten through. "Literally only tuning in to 'American Idol' to see Louis Knight, and if he gets voted off I will have something to say. Literally get chills every time he performs," said one awestruck fan.
"Glad Philly's own Louis Knight made it to the Top 20 of American Idol. I think he's gonna win the whole thing..." said another hometown supporter of the young Knight.
We hope he does well in Hollywood too, but he's going to need all the support he can get! To watch more American Idol, tune in on Sunday and Monday nights at 8 pm ET on the ABC network.