See the 'American Idol' Contestant Who Gives Luke Bryan a 'Full Body Wave of Chills'
Sunday night is the second night of auditions on American Idol Season 7 on ABC and Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are behind the judges desk once again searching for the next winner of the talent competition.
Among those who are looking to get a Gold Ticket to Hollywood is Kaibrienne Richins, who says she’s from the middle of nowhere in Utah. She’s grown up watching American Idol and last season was no exception. She and her dad sat on the couch watching the whole season religiously.
Now, it’s her turn to audition for the judges and she impresses them with her performance of “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan.
“From the first note, I had a full body wave of chills,” Luke tells her. “I like the way you shook it out and hacked up something and started singing.”
Watch the exclusive video above to see what he meant.
Related: American Idol Judges Give Out the First Platinum Ticket to the ‘Best Soul Singer of the Season'
Life hasn’t been easy for Kaibrienne. “I got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s [thyroiditis] when I was in fourth grade,” she says in her video package. “It’s a thyroid disease that’s so painful and when it flares up, it’s crazy mood swings. It’s been so bad.”
Her dad Justin Jewell Richins, who accompanied her, said, “It’s been a struggle to see the most beautiful girl in the world, who I know has more potential in her little finger than I will ever have, struggle to regulate her emotions. She can go from ‘this is the best thing in the world’ to turning her to say she wants to die.”
And Kaibrienne doesn’t dispute that saying, “The nights that I felt I can’t do anymore, I am just glad that I pushed through.”
Related: See the American Idol Contestant Who Makes Katy Perry Cry
From Kaibrienne's audition, Jewell posted on Instagram: “Beyond proud of my daughter for chasing her dreams! ?? Her incredible voice has always amazed me, and now the world might just get to witness her talent on American Idol. ?? Save the date - Starting February 18th on @hulu & @abcnetwork - to see what happens ! Let’s cheer her on together!! ?? #ProudDad #AmericanIdolJourney #kbrichins #katyperry #lukebryan #lionelrichie #ryanseacrest”
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American Idol airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
