‘American Idol': Cay Aliese Honors Her Late Father, ‘The Voice’ Singer Nolan Neal‘American Idol': Cay Aliese Honors Her Late Father, ‘The Voice’ Singer Nolan NealCay Aliese is the 24-year-old daughter of Nolan Neal, an accomplished singer and songwriter who died last summer.Billy DukesBilly Dukes
‘American Idol': Marybeth Byrd Earns Golden Ticket With SteelDrivers Song [Watch]‘American Idol': Marybeth Byrd Earns Golden Ticket With SteelDrivers Song [Watch]She's a country radio DJ with big dreams of stardom.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': Soul Singer Elijah McCormick Brings Tears With Rascal Flatts Hit [Watch]‘American Idol': Soul Singer Elijah McCormick Brings Tears With Rascal Flatts Hit [Watch]This 'American Idol' star-in-the-making shared a powerful story about a near-death experience that shaped his life.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': Preston Duffee Mesmerizes Judges With a Song Inspired by His Late Mom [Watch]‘American Idol': Preston Duffee Mesmerizes Judges With a Song Inspired by His Late Mom [Watch]Music has helped this 'American Idol' hopeful cope through some of his darkest times.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol’ High School Shooting Survivor Earns Praise With Whiskey Myers Cover [Watch]‘American Idol’ High School Shooting Survivor Earns Praise With Whiskey Myers Cover [Watch]Katy was just devastated by his story.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': Teenage Singer Has Emotional Reunion With Her Army Father After Audition [Watch]‘American Idol': Teenage Singer Has Emotional Reunion With Her Army Father After Audition [Watch]When it comes to American Idol, one thing is for sure: The show does not run short of fresh talent or emotional stories.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
New York Native Matt Wilson Debuts On American IdolNew York Native Matt Wilson Debuts On American IdolAll eyes were on Matt Wilson as he auditioned for American Idol on Sunday.Dave FieldsDave Fields
‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Special Song for His Grandfather Is a Tear-Jerker [Watch]‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Special Song for His Grandfather Is a Tear-Jerker [Watch]His grandpa got to be there to see his audition in person.Evan PaulEvan Paul
Meet Colin Stough, the Small-Town ‘American Idol’ Contestant With Big Dreams and Mom’s SupportMeet Colin Stough, the Small-Town ‘American Idol’ Contestant With Big Dreams and Mom’s SupportSearching for the next big talent, the judges headed to Nashville, where they found 18-year-old Colin StoughMelinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': 18-Year-Old Iam Tongi Brings Luke Bryan to Tears During Audition of a James Blunt Song [Watch]‘American Idol': 18-Year-Old Iam Tongi Brings Luke Bryan to Tears During Audition of a James Blunt Song [Watch]Iam Tongi, a teenager and singer-songwriter from Kahuku, Hawaii, brought coaches Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to tears during the Season 21 premiere of Idol.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': Platinum-Winning Pop Singer’s Daughter Scores Golden Ticket With Kelsea Ballerini and Carrie Underwood Covers [Watch]‘American Idol': Platinum-Winning Pop Singer’s Daughter Scores Golden Ticket With Kelsea Ballerini and Carrie Underwood Covers [Watch]Luke Bryan didn't think she was ready, but he's open to seeing her future.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
A ‘Real’ Country ‘American Idol’ Audition Makes Luke Bryan Do a Happy Dance [Watch]A ‘Real’ Country ‘American Idol’ Audition Makes Luke Bryan Do a Happy Dance [Watch]Colin Stough brought true-blue country roots to 'American Idol' with his Lynyrd Skynyrd cover -- and a guest appearance from his mama.Carena LiptakCarena Liptak