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'American Idol': Mike Parker gets Lionel Richie's praise as fans call him an 'inspiration'

After watching Mike's moving backstory and his incredible performance, 'American Idol' fans couldn't stop raving about him

Neither the judges nor the fans were prepared for what Mike Parker had in store for them during 'American Idol' Season 20 auditions. The Virginia resident gave a moving performance to 'Strawberry Wine' by Deana Carter, by adding his own unique spin to it.

By the end of Mike's performance, the judges, especially Lionel Richie were very moved. Lionel walked up to Mike and gave him a hug for breaking away from the stereotypical mold of a Black man who is only associated with playing basketball or rapping. The legendary musician pointed at himself by saying how he didn't do either of them and was glad to see that neither did Mike. Katy Perry and Luke Bryan couldn't get enough of the texture of his voice and praised the cries in his voice. They also advised him to keep it simple and focus on just the basics instead of attempting to hit various runs and notes.

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Fans too were equally impressed by not only Mike's performance but also his moving backstory. In his introduction package, the young singer revealed that his mother wasn't keeping well. While the doctors still don't have a diagnosis for her, he revealed that all the symptoms pointed at leukemia. Mike expressed his guilt over not being at his mother's side but instead auditioning for the show. His parents, however, encouraged him to pursue his dreams and to give his best during the auditions.

After watching Mike's moving backstory and his incredible performance, fans couldn't stop raving about him. A fan tweeted, "I felt Mike Parker's heart in his audition piece. I was touched by his story. He's a loving son and an inspiration. #AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol2022 #Idol." Another fan wrote, "Mike….enough said! His story, his voice! This is what American Idol is all about!!#AmericanIdol @lukebryan @katyperry @RyanSeacrest @LionelRichie." "Mike is the best singer so far #AmericanIdol," declared a fan.

Another fan shared, "I’ve always liked #StrawberryWine. Mike brought it to a whole ‘notha level! I have goosebumps! I’m with Luke on him being the flower before it blooms. #AmericanIdol." "I loved Mike Parker’s take on Strawberry Wine! He has so much potential. I can’t wait to see what he does next. #AmericanIdol," seconded a fan. "I still have my hand over my heart when I heard Mike’s voice cry as I’m typing this #AmericanIdol like wow wow wow," expressed a fan.

'American Idol' Season 20 airs every Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.

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