MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

Who is Grace Kinstler? 'American Idol' golden ticket winner reminded judges of Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson

Perry remarked that she experienced a wave of full-body chills twice when Grace was singing and Bryan confessed that it was the very first time that someone's singing had made him cry

After the season premiere episode of 'American Idol' on Sunday, February 14, it's already established that 20-year-old singer Grace Kinstler is the one to watch out in the competition. The show definitely saved the best audition for the last couple of minutes and ended with a bang as Grace walked out with a golden ticket in hand. She's an exceptional singer but this audition was a difficult one for her because her father who had been her biggest supporter in everything she did since the time she was a kid wasn't there by her side to cheer her on.

Grace lost her father in February 2020, unexpectedly. Recounting the events from that fateful day, she told the judges about the phone call she received from her brother asking her to get on a flight and come back because their dad had stopped breathing and was taken to the hospital. Grace had the habit of giving up on auditions because she'd get nervous to a point that she'd start to hyperventilate. Her father's support meant everything to her and he helped her snap out of the nervous spell when he was around. Grace was nervous for the 'Idol' audition as well but she came sporting a Leo necklace around her neck gifted to her by her father and she drew all the courage needed to knock it out of the park through it. 

RELATED ARTICLES

Who is Anilee List? Meet 'American Idol' golden ticket winner who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at 10

Who is Raivynh C’Imone Hearne aka Reh? Meet 'American Idol' contestant and US Army Soldier from Texas

And knock it out of the park she did! Grace wowed all the three judges -- Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie with her talented voice. Perry remarked that she experienced a wave of full-body chills twice when Grace was singing. Bryan confessed that it was the very first time that someone's singing had made him cry, adding that her performance reminded him of Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson's audition.

Audiences watching Grace from home were as enamored as the judges were. "Grace should carry this whole season! #AmericanIdol " wrote a fan. "Grace Kinstler's "Natural Woman" is a reminder why #AmericanIdol's audition episodes — just kids singing in hotel conference halls with minimal accompaniment — can still be so powerful," read another tweet. "There’s certain moments where one person will come along and touch so many hearts and this was a moment where I had felt that certain emotion. Grace performed like a legend in the making, it was a magical experience. Thank you for that performance now!" another fan wrote. "Jesus Christ Grace Kinstler is going all the way. She’s gonna win #americanidol she’s got my vote every week until the end!!!" another tweet read.

Did you love Grace Kinstler as much as the judges and fans on Twitter? You can keep up with her on her Instagram handle @gracekinstlerofficial.

Catch new episodes of 'American Idol' every Sunday night at 8 pm ET on ABC.