Elleigh Marie gets dubbed 'American Idol' 2024's 'Top 10' contestant as she leaves judges emotional with her father's story
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Elleigh Marie Francom left everyone teary as she told her father's deployment story. 'American Idol' Season 22 fans are rooting for the singer's win or at least her moving ahead to the Top 10 position in the show after hearing her emotional story and soulful voice.
The cosmetologist said that her father is in the airforce and she got to know on her audition day that her father is being deployed for a year. When Katy Perry asks, "How do you feel about that?" Elleigh answers "It really sucks." She then broke down into tears, leaving the judges and viewers emotional.
She further says in her confessional, "He comes home every time so I'm just lucky that that happens, regardless it's just so scary." Lionel Richie agreed with Elleigh, "Yeah, that military life is rough sometimes." After Elleigh's performance, Luke Bryan wrote "Top 10" in his sheet, believing that she might make it further into the show. He says, "I think she's Top 10."
Seeing Elleigh impress the judge with her smooth voice made a fan say, "beautiful tone, right into the emotion. She kept it so small and easy, letting those low notes float out with a pretty upper register. Such a pointed, focused vocal. Nice." Another wrote, "Omg I hope so much for her!!! Amazing."
A fan placed his bet, "HUGE potential. I thought she´s top 10 for sure. Then Luke said it as well and that felt nice:D." Another agreed with Luke's decision, "A natural,.no wonder Luke said top 10." Another agreed, "Yep winner!!" "Well, there's your winner!!!!" commented another.
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Elleigh Marie reveals growing up as a military kid was 'rough'
As Elleigh revealed that her father is in the military, she said in the confessional, "Growing up as a military kid was pretty rough." Her father, Matt, explained, "Being in the airforce I've been gone for quite a bit."
He then continued claiming that Elleigh had to fill the role in the house of her mother and father when they were away. She then reveals that while her father was gone her mother was diagnosed with kidney and thyroid disease, leading to a lot of responsibilities falling on her.
Why did 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Elleigh Marie take singing seriously?
Katy asked Elleigh, "Have you never just thought well maybe I should just pursue this and take this seriously for a second." Elleigh said that she thought about it a lot but with her father gone and being placed at a different location, they always have to be on the move.
She said, "It's just that my dad has been gone a lot like we were actually thinking that I might have to move back home." Katy dubbed Elleigh to be a "fork in the road."
Calling her the "perfect 'American Idol' contestant," the judges asked her family to come on stage. The family left surprised as the judges gave a golden ticket to Elleigh.
Catch new episodes of 'American Idol' Season 22 every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC. The latest episodes will be available to stream next day on Hulu.
