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'American Idol' Season 18 Premiere: Meet Louis Knight, teen singer/songwriter from London who can win it all

The teenager blew the judges away with a performance of his original song 'Change'

'American Idol' Season 18 kicked off with its first episode of auditions on February 16 night, and fans affirm that Louis Knight who performed his original song 'Change' has what it takes to win the title.

The famed reality tv competition had a two-hour premiere that featured auditions of hopeful contestants who sang their hearts out hoping for a chance to be the next winner.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie returned to their panel alongside in-house mentor Bobby Bones. The premiere included a shoutout to Season 17 winner Laine Hardy and runner-up Alejandro Aranda who created an impact on most contestants who auditioned this season.

While it is too early to predict if any of these contestants have what it takes to be the title winner, fans already seem to have that in the bag. They affirm that Louis Knight, a singer/songwriter from London, might win it all.

This Pennsylvania teen who recently graduated from Lower Merion High School performed his original song titled 'Change' in honor of his friend who committed suicide in 2018.

Opening up to the judges the 19-year-old shared, "He became a part of the family instantly. He was always so supportive of my music." Louis also added that his friend Russel Peck also bonded with his brother over soccer, and the tragic news of his death shook his entire family.

"We knew he was going through a hard time, we didn't know the extent of that suffering. All I can hope for this song is maybe it can speak to someone suffering and maybe save a life," Louis shared. 

The judges were left awestruck with his performance and song choice. Judge Bryan said, "I think he might be the biggest star we have on American Idol." While Katy added, "I wouldn't go so far to say you're the biggest star we've seen in these three seasons, got to keep you humble, got to keep you wanting it, but I really appreciated your original song. I appreciate the sentiment of it." 

Lionel revealed that Louis is onto something big. Without a doubt, Louis received three yeses and a golden ticket to Hollywood. After watching his performance, fans took to Twitter claiming that Louis might be the contestant who bags the title this season.

"Love this song and meaning, Louis could for sure win it all... and oh so humble #AmericanIdol #SuicideAwareness," a fan shared. Adding to that another wrote, "Louis' story made me cry and I loved his original song. He could definitely be a star in the making."

"Ok so I forgot that @AmericanIdol started tonight so I went to YouTube to check out the auditions and I’m calling it now... that British guy Louis Knight is the next #AmericanIdol winner," a fan wrote.

While another said, "Dammit! Louis Knight is going to force me to watch American Idol again, isn't he?!? I've been an emotional wreck all weekend and his audition just sealed the deal. He is really talented though. #americanidol." 

"I’m always so blown away when artists can convey such obscure, complex feelings & emotions in simple, effortless lyrics. Louis was outstanding. I can see him being the new One Direction, but solo. Wow. #AmericanIdol," a fan wrote. 

'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday night only on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.