Is Phil Kane the next Jackson Browne? Luke Bryan compares 'American Idol' star to country singer

Lionel Richie praised Phil Kane's songwriting skills while Kety Perry said his choices on the piano 'gave me chills'
UPDATED MAR 27, 2023
Phil Kane received a standing ovation and was compared to 'country Jackson Browne (YouTube/American Idol, Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Billboard)
Phil Kane received a standing ovation and was compared to 'country Jackson Browne (YouTube/American Idol, Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Billboard)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol Season 21 viewers went on a fun and emotional roller-coaster during the last audition round. The ABC network show's fans were treated with intriguing raw talents who competed to become the next singing sensation.

Meanwhile, one of the contestants just blew away all three judges and fans. Phil Kane,18, took the stage to deliver a thrilling performance with his original song. Phil tribute to his small town Osage County, Oklahoma, in his song. Katy Perry and Lionel Richie loved his exceptional performance. Luke Bryan went on to compare Phil to country singer Jackson Browne.

RELATED ARTICLES

'Release an album': Fans impressed as Oliver Steele performs with paralyzed dad in 'American idol' 2023

What time will 'American Idol' Season 21 Episode 7 air? Judges gear up for Hollywood Week


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by American Idol (@americanidol)


 

'American Idol' judges were in awe of Phil Kane's storytelling abilities

Phil performed an original song called 'Osage County' while accompanying himself on piano. The aspiring singer revealed during the audition that he writes about 'dirt roads, girls…' The judges gave Phil's performance a standing ovation with Luke calling him a 'country Jackson Browne.' Katy gushed about Phil, "The moment you started playing the piano, your choices on the piano gave me chills." She added, "Then the storytelling of your song... I believed every single word. It was just so real. I really related to it. I'm not even from your little town, but I want to go and visit now! Authenticity will get you so far. It's not about notes. It's about telling a story."

Meanwhile, Lionel praised Phil's songwriting skills and Luke compares his understated presence to last year's champ, Noah Thompson. Notably, the judges were left stunned when Phil revealed he actually penned the tune at the age of 16 and it was the first song he ever wrote. Lionel said, "Honestly, that was dead on the money," with Luke adding, "People don’t have it and people got it and you got it." However, Katy advised Phil, "Don't try to compete with everyone else. Just try and highlight who you already are. Don’t try and be something you’re not because that’s how you’ll not win."

Would Phil Kane make it to the 'top 10'?

Phil's mesmerizing performance and storytelling skills stunned 'American Idol' viewers. The social media users predicted that he can be the next winner under the comment section of Phil's audition video. A user wrote, "There's a singer and there's a storyteller with a melody❤️This kid is a born performer." Another user commented, "His storytelling and the way he played the piano really moved me. Rooting for ya Phil 💪💪 stay true to You."

Another user said, "Lovely tribute to smalltown America, and his voice has so much nostalgia and warmth, with just a hint of twang. Like Noah, he could probably sing anything." Another user added, "This is one of my fave shows! A good song and he has a great voice! He’s only 18 but looks like and seems like he has been doing this forever! Amazing! I see top 10!" Another user predicted, "AS a singer, songwriter, musician, I can honestly say that this kid is in the top 5 for this years competition." Another user added, "He’s pretty mesmerizing. He’ll go far in the competition maybe win."

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Naomi was one of the most dedicated advocates of her cult leader husband, Samuel Bateman, and was his 13th wife.
1 hour ago
The comedy series 'Big Mistakes' follows two siblings from New Jersey who unwittingly become entangled with the world of organized crime.
3 hours ago
Hal is back in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ revival, but Bryan Cranston’s warning about what’s coming might catch longtime fans off guard.
3 hours ago
Fan favorite medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy' has been delayed by ABC, but Season 22 is set to return soon, with just two episodes left.
4 hours ago
The next season of the hit medical drama was renewed for Season 3 in January and will air in early 2027.
5 hours ago
The recent episode finally sheds light on why Baran Al-Hashimi has been freezing at random moments, with her diagnosis threatening to derail her medical career.
7 hours ago
The latest episode of the hit medical drama resolves the mystery surrounding Al Hashimi's condition, in which she froze frequently while treating patients.
8 hours ago
‘Rooster’ scores an early Season 2 renewal, but with new twists promised for next semester, the story at Ludlow College is just getting started.
10 hours ago
The Shaw brothers reunite in ‘Tracker’s finale, but a dark case and unfinished past threads hint at trouble that may be far from over
12 hours ago
Jon Bernthal first appeared as Frank Castle in Season 2 of 'Daredevil,' and the new trailer shows him on a killing spree.
22 hours ago