Who is Nya? 'American Idol' Season 22 judge Luke Bryan showers praise on ABC show contestant's audition
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Nyachomba Muchai-Kinya aka Nya is a singer and a Broadway performer.
She is Kenyan but grew up in Florida. According to her LinkedIn, Nya pursued communication from Lee University and kicked off her professional career as an Administrative Assistant at the French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts.
During this period, the ABC show contestant continued to follow her passion for acting and has been a principal actor at Roundabout Theatre Company.
Now, she is making strides on a much bigger stage. The network has released a preview of Nya's audition, which suggests she has absolutely rocked it. Additionally, judge Luke Bryan was impressed with Nya's talent and called her audition as his 'favorite' of the latest season.
Nya performed Willow Smith's 'Wait a Minute!' during her audition. She received a standing ovation from all three judges as well as a golden ticket to Hollywood for her immersive singing skills.
Luke complimented Nya by stating: "Maybe my favorite performance or audition this year, thus far." He added, "The most impressive thing is you don’t sound Broadway... You are actually a massive singer, a massive personality."
Meanwhile, Lionel Richie told Nya that she has "effortless control" and her "personality is already defined." The ABC show judge further noted that she has what it takes to "go all the way."
Katy Perry elevates Nya's audition with a fan on 'American Idol' Season 22
Nya got some help from 'American Idol' Season 22 judge Katy Perry to elevate her audition. After Nya's performance on Willow's song 'Wait a Minute!', Katy noted that she just needed a fan at her feet so her hair would move and enhance her audition.
She asked a crew member to bring an electric fan, which Katy held for Nya. The judge jokingly said, "I'll be your biggest fan." Katy knelt at Nya's feet holding the fan under her to provide a windswept effect as she performed a few more lines from the song. The contestant enjoyed the performance and claimed she was having "so much fun" with the judges.
Katy seemingly also enjoyed Nya's presence, as she quipped: "There is no de-Nya-ing that you are a star." She then voted 'yes' to send her to Hollywood.
Nya appears in the Broadway musical 'Titanique'
Nya is a Broadway performer and has performed in multiple musicals. The ABC show contestant's latest credit includes the off-Broadway musical, 'Titanique'. Nya took to her Instagram and teased her appearance in a cast photo.
Alongside the photo, Nya penned, "Guess who’s in the hit musical @titaniquemusical … ME." She added, "In the 2 months I’ve been here I got to play the Iceberg also about to go on for Molly."
She further noted, "I’ve had the pleasure to be able to perform with insanely talented OGs." She showed gratitude to her supportive friends and noted, "I’m so grateful to have met such incredible people the cast & creatives have made me feel like family.. love you."
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.