Who is Aniston Pate? 'American Idol' Season 22 judge compares Texas singer to country legend Dolly Parton
DALHART, TEXAS: In a preview clip released by Entertainment Tonight, Aniston Pate's audition impresses the judges, with Lionel Richie comparing her to Dolly Parton for her original song "Hummingbird." Comparing Aniston to the great Dolly raises hopes for her future on 'American Idol' as the battle heats up.
In ET's exclusive look at Sunday's episode, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan have some creative fun with a singer's original song. Aniston demonstrates her writing and singing abilities to judges Katy, Luke, and Lionel, who respond enthusiastically.
In the upcoming episode, the talented and optimistic Aniston graces the stage to present her unique musical composition. As she steps into the spotlight, Aniston introduces herself with a touch of humor, declaring, "I'm a tractor driver here to bring some country vibes to the stage."
The West Texas native showcases her musical prowess with an original song named "Hummingbird." Aniston says it was inspired by her mother and co-written with her friend, Davis. Lionel also praises Aniston's vocal talent, drawing a parallel to the iconic country music superstar Dolly Parton.
"About halfway through the first verse, I had to open my eyes and go, 'Is that you, Dolly?'" he said to Aniston. The young vocalist is understandably stunned by the glowing compliments.
'American Idol' fans offended by Aniston Pate's comparison to Dolly Parton
"That's a great one, really good. I got like four things I want to tell you to do to it," as the three judges admire her audition. As the "Crash My Party" vocalist suggests that Aniston modify the gentle refrain, Katy joins in, and the two perform the song's brief verse.
"Luke Bryan just sang a song that I wrote," Aniston says, beaming. "Katy Perry sang a song I wrote too!"
Offended fans took to the YouTube comment section disagreeing with the judges, as one wrote, "Um... Dolly Parton is still alive and still making music." Another user suggested, "The lyrics do need a little bit of work to make it smoother."
One fan wrote, "Cute but not big country star skill sets, material. ."
'American Idol' Season 22 star Aniston Pate moved to Nashville to major in Music Business
Aniston hails from Dalhart, where she was born and raised. However, in 2021, she made the decision to move to Nashville to pursue her musical aspirations at Belmont University. While Dalhart did not provide a chorus, Aniston pursued her musical interests on her own.
She began creating songs during her final year of high school, the same year she auditioned for Belmont, after deciding that attending music school would help her achieve her ambitions. After auditioning, Aniston had to wait for the school's verdict.
Aniston has transitioned from being a student in Belmont's School of Music; however, she remains enrolled at the college, having shifted her focus to a major in Music Business.
During her year and a half at Belmont, Aniston had the opportunity to experience both ends of the music industry, composing and performing.
'American Idol' Season 22 star Aniston Pate has released EP named 'Keystone Cowboy'
Aniston is carving out her space in the music industry, steadfastly living up to her ambitions in Tennessee and actively steering the course of her success.
"Drowning in a Drought," "Keystone Cowboy," and "Welcome Back" are just a few of the songs accessible on media platforms for listeners to enjoy, and Aniston takes pride in her freedom to work as an independent artist.
While Aniston typically graces stages across Nashville, she's expanding her horizons and taking her show on the road, with a special stop planned in the Oldest City.
Aniston has released an EP (Extended Play) named 'Keystone Cowboy', which is available on all streaming platforms, thanks to her networking at Belmont. Aniston used her network to secure studio time at a friend's home studio to create the tunes.
The EP's development began in the summer of 2022, when Aniston toured Texas and decided which songs she wanted to release.
Stadium tours may be on the horizon for Aniston, but her primary focus is earning respect within the industry as her initial goal. Aniston has previously published her own music, but she has also collaborated with other musicians to compose songs.
Aniston handles all of her own bookings while she is still in the early stages of her business. Aniston's trip included stops in Amarillo and Dumas, but she spent the majority of her time in San Antonio.
Aniston attends a 'Writers Round' in Nashville, where four singer/songwriters have 30 minutes to perform songs and network on stage. Aniston has played in downtown Nashville at a few different venues, as well as uptown Nashville, but her recently formed band is embarking on a series of home gigs.
'American Idol' Season 22 airs Sundays at 8 pm ET on ABC. It is also available on Hulu, beginning at 3 am ET the day after the episode airs on ABC.