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'American Idol' Season 20: Aretha Franklin's granddaughter Grace gets a NO, fans call Lionel 'honest'

Lionel decided to take off his judge's hat and donned the role of Uncle Richie for Grace and advised her to continue practicing and working on her vocals

When 15-year-old Grace Franklin stepped onto the stage to audition for 'American Idol' Season 20, the judges and fans had no idea about her. The Detroit native then stumped everyone when she revealed that she was the Queen of Soul aka Aretha Franklin's granddaughter. 

The judges- Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan were shocked on learning that the legendary singer's granddaughter was auditioning for them. Needless to say, both the judges and fans had very high expectations from the teen, and Grace wasn't oblivious to it. In her introduction package, she acknowledged how everybody expected her to sing exactly the way her iconic grandmom sang, but she admitted that she had a different style even though she was definitely influenced by Aretha. Grace then proceeded to deliver a beautiful rendition of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' by Ms Lauryn Hill. 

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You can watch Grace Franklin's performance on 'American Idol' here:

Sadly for Grace, her vocals were too soft and mellow for Luke's liking. But both Katy and Lionel were on the fence about her, so the 'Teenage Dream' singer asked Grace if she could perform any other song for them. She then picked her grandmother's song, 'Ain't no way'. The judges felt that her performance to the Aretha song was phenomenal. Luke pointed out how her runs were pretty impressive but still felt that it was too subdued for him. Katy, on the other hand, felt that Grace had a lot of potential so she said yes. It was finally Lionel's turn to decide Grace's fate on the ABC show.

Lionel decided to take off his judge's hat and donned the role of Uncle Richie for Grace and advised her to go home and continue practicing and working hard on her vocals and to return and try again later. He pointed out how she was very young and didn't want her to stumble or fall at such an early stage. Lionel felt really bad saying no to her but felt that he had to do it as he wanted nothing but the best for Grace. Katy got furious on hearing Lionel say no and declared that she was quitting the show. Later, Katy returned and continued to grumble about them not giving a chance to Grace, but fans sided with Lionel and Luke and felt that the teenager wasn't ready just yet.

A fan tweeted, "Sorry Katy but @lukebryan and @LionelRichie were right she needs to come back when she grows a little cause she’s got Potential They know what they are talking about @AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol." Another fan wrote, "Grace have it, little more work. Take time baby. At least she tried. #AmericanIdol." "I don't want this to be the last time we hear Grace Franklin's voice. She just needs to improve her vocal power and confidence. Plus she's 15. Her voice ain't done changing yet! #AmericanIdol," commented a fan. "Grace is only 15. She needs to get some experience and come back. #AmericanIdol #IdolPremiere," seconded a fan.

Fans also lauded Lionel for being honest with Grace. A fan shared, "RESPECT FOR LIONEL!!!! Just because she's Aretha's granddaughter doesn't mean she's Hollywood ready. Katy is too soft on her decisions!! Lots of love for Lionel!!! #AmericanIdol." "Lionel knows what could happen if she goes on this season and isn't ready - he's protecting her because you can tell he genuinely wants her to succeed. #AmericanIdol," expressed a fan. "I know that was hard for Lionel Richie, but he is right on this one. #AmericanIdol," added a fan. "Thank you Lionel for being real. She isn’t ready just yet. I see the potential though. #AmericanIdol," echoed a fan.

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

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