Who is Lillian Hackett? 'American Idol' Season 22 star is a Lovettsville native with a strong musical background
LOVETTSVILLE, VIRGINIA: Lillian Hackett, a 17-year-old resident of Lovettsville and a junior at Woodgrove High School located in Purcellville, is about to make waves as she is anticipated to be seen in an upcoming episode of the highly popular reality TV show, 'American Idol' Season 22.
This incredible opportunity is set to not only provide Lillian with a chance to showcase her remarkable talent but also serve as a significant milestone in her budding music career.
As the anticipation builds, the Lovettsville community eagerly awaits to witness Lillian's awe-inspiring performance that is bound to captivate the hearts of viewers across the nation.
With her passion, dedication, and undeniable talent, Lillian Hackett is undoubtedly on the path to becoming a rising star in the music industry, and her appearance on 'American Idol' Season 22 is set to be a pivotal moment in her journey toward achieving her dreams.
Lillian comes from a musical family, drawing inspiration for her songwriting from the diverse musical preferences within her family. Her father, a fellow musician, serves as a particularly influential source of creativity and musical guidance.
“My dad is a musician and I picked up the guitar around age 10. I grew up playing with him," Lillian said while having a chat with Loudoun Times-Mirror.
Hackett went on to say, “I remember [listening to] Grateful Dead in the car and Bob Dylan. And then it would range from blues to rock ‘n’ roll."
Lillian Hackett is a big fan of 'American Idol'
Lillian Hackett, an ardent devotee of the popular reality show 'American Idol,' was inspired to try out for the competition after attending a remarkable concert by the acclaimed Irish folk rock band, The Swell Season, in the bustling city of Washington, DC.
It was during this unforgettable musical experience that Hackett had the privilege of witnessing the outstanding performance of the band's opening act, who had previously participated in a nationwide singing competition.
This extraordinary encounter with the band who had gained recognition through a similar platform ignited a spark of aspiration within Hackett, propelling her to embark on a quest to find the upcoming auditions for the prestigious 'American Idol' show.
"’American Idol” is the only [singing] show that I’d ever watch. And I feel like “American Idol” is more intimate—like the judges are more intimate with the contestants,” said Hackett (via Loudoun Now).
The Lovettsville resident further added, “With the other singing competitions, I feel like if you have to turn a chair you don’t really get to see the person audition. You don’t get to see their facial expressions. You don’t see their emotions. And with me, you have to see me to feel my emotion.”
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Lillian Hackett performs her original song 'Tennessee' during her audition
In the interview with Times-Mirror, Lillian spilled the beans on her experience auditioning for 'American Idol' in Nashville in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.
“It was slightly intimidating. But my feelings of excitement overtook those feelings, and I was more chill with it than I thought I would be,” Hackett added.
During her audition on 'American Idol' Season 22, Hackett, known for her Americana folk music style, took the stage to perform an original song titled 'Tennessee'.
The heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody showcased her talents as a singer-songwriter, captivating the judges and audience alike. With her unique sound and powerful voice, Lillian left a lasting impression with her performance, proving that she has what it takes to be a star in the music industry.
The inspiration behind the song's name stems from a fascinating anecdote involving her father, Nathan, who once had a minor role in the popular TV series 'Dawson's Creek', starring Katie Holmes.
As the story was told to her, Holmes approached her father with a clever pickup line, playfully asking, "Are you from Tennessee? Because you are the only 10 I see."
This charming tale adds an extra layer of meaning to Lillian's song, making it even more personal and unforgettable.
Who are 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Lillian Hackett's musical influences?
Lillian Hackett draws her songwriting inspiration from the musical preferences of her family, particularly her father who is also a talented musician.
While Hackett appreciates a diverse range of musical genres, she finds herself naturally inclined towards the captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics of the New Americana genre.
Whenever she gets the opportunity to showcase her talent at local venues like Dirt Farm Brewing and Monk's BBQ, she derives immense joy from performing captivating renditions of songs by renowned West Virginian singer-songwriter Sierra Ferrell, as well as the legendary figures of Americana and bluegrass music, Gillian Welch.
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.