'American Idol' Season 18: Aliana Jester's 'This is Me' unseen footage leaves fans in love with her voice
'American Idol' Season 18 returned on Sunday night for an all-new episode. While the series is usually neck-deep into its competition, it has taken a different turn and is featuring unseen footage of the Top 20 contestants from their previous performances.
Titled 'This is Me', the series aired Part 1 last week, and this week, 'American Idol' returned for Part 2.
This week, apart from airing Part 2 of the unseen footages, the series also revealed if it was Grace Leer or Lauren Mascitti who advanced to the Top 20 after America's first remote vote.
Revealing the results from his living room, along with Lauren and Grace from the comfort of their own, host Ryan Seacrest announced that Grace had received the most number of votes. Grace advanced to the Top 20 and will appear on the first-ever Remote Edition that will air live from next week.
One of the Top 20 contestants whose unseen footage we witnessed today was Alaina Jester. The series revealed unseen footage of Aliana performing during the auditions. Judge Lionel Richie shared that she reminded him of a young Whitney Houston.
Performing her version of 'Higher Love', Aliana impressed the judges. Katy Perry shared, "Aliana you have such an incredible gift, I just want you to take what you've been through and put it in the words."
During her audition, Aliana revealed that her father rescued her from her religious mother. Hailing from Tampa, the 19-year-old contestant has also appeared on 'The Voice' and 'America's Got Talent'.
Last December, the contestant also created a GoFundMe page to fund her expenses since she was unable to work further in order to pursue her dreams. With the help of family and friends, she has received $1,475 to date. Watching her unseen footage tonight, fans on Twitter affirm she has a voice like "liquid gold".
"Rewatching @Aliana_Jesters performances, her reconnection with her Father, Siblings and Stepmother is just SO Heartwarming!" a fan wrote. Another said, "Hi Aliana, I enjoy listening to you and you have my vote!! Good Luck!! @Aliana_Jester #AmericanIdol."
"Her voice OMG I don’t only hear her voice I can feel it hmmm like a Liquid Gold," a fan shared while another said, "She is fabulous @LionelRichie glad your in our #top20@Aliana_Jester."
"She’s good! I mean great!" a fan wrote. 'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday night on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.