Will Mia Matthews win 'American Idol'? ABC viewers dub Season 22 singer winner after making Jelly Roll tear up
HONOLULU, HAWAII: 'American Idol' Season 22 viewers may now vote for the Top 20 contestants following an emotional episode of performances that had a guest star in tears. On the April 8 episode, the second half of the Top 24 finalists performed at Disney's Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii, where country star Jelly Roll served as the show's guest coach and performer.
The singer grew emotionally immersed as he helped the candidates prepare, even breaking down in tears when guiding Mia Matthews, 19, who devoted her performance to her late father. "I could get used to doing this," Jelly Roll cryptically wrote during the concert on X.
After Mia's recent performance, fans took to Reddit, to write, "Mia’s gonna be in the finale period." Another user chimed in, "Mia nailed that song. She could go far on this show."
Other fans noted, "Props to Mia for being able to sing this without crying." A fourth user wrote, "hope she makes top 20!!!"
One user commented, "she has one of the best tones of the show, there’s such an easiness to it." Another Redditor added, "mia did good, beautiful performance."
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Jelly Roll confesses 'hatred' for Mia Matthews after she made him cry
Jelly Roll was moved by Mia's story, who is nineteen. Mia sang "Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn as part of her performance in memory of her father, who was born in Hawaii but passed away before he could show her his birthplace.
The teenager was able to move the mentor to tears during rehearsal.
"I lost my father in 2019." Jelly Roll replied, "So brave of you to pick that song," his eyes welling with tears. "It's probably the single hardest experience I ever had."
"Thanks for making me cry. I hate you," he quipped. "I love you!" she responded.
Mia Matthews makes family tear up with 'American Idol' Season 22 Top 24 performance
Mia's mother Tara and sister JC watched from the audience as she displayed her fragility on stage, as well as her powerful yet delicate voice. Katy Perry's emotion and ability caused her to have chills "all over."
Mia held it together throughout the song until her voice cracked on the final phrase, which endeared her to her listeners.
'American Idol' judges call Mia Matthews 'profound'
Lionel Richie applauded Mia for revealing her sensitive side, calling it her greatest performance yet. "We are so proud of you because that was a moment that we'll remember," he went on to say.
Katy described it as "profound" and that Mia was "born tonight." "You really, truly blew me away," she said.
Luke Bryan described Mia as "country through and through" and praised her modern-day rendition of a classic tune.
'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC