Canaan James Hill earned the final platinum ticket after the 17-year-old received a unanimous “yes.”
Disney/Eric McCandless
American Idolmay have saved the best for last.
But after his performance before the judges, the Dallas teen might have a new career path to consider.
Lionel Richie and Canaan James Hill on ‘American Idol’.Credit:Disney/Eric McCandless
“That was powerful, Richie said after the performance, with a hand on Hill’s shoulder.
“You are so blessed.
That was something so spectacular, I cant even describe what I heard.”
Lionel Richie and Canaan James Hill on ‘American Idol’.Disney/Eric McCandless
“You okay?”
fellow judgeCarrie Underwoodteased as Richie returned to the table.
“No, I am not okay.
Canaan James Hill, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’.Disney/Eric McCandless
Look where my seat is,” Richie said, gesturing to his pushed-back chair.
“I had to sit back here to listen.”
Underwood then showered Hill with praise.
“The words velvet… butter…
It was smooth but powerful,” she said.
“Like, where have you been the last 17 years?
Thank you for bringing your gift.”
All the while, Richie paced behind her, repeating words for emphasis: “Smooth but powerful…
Bringing your gift…” Richie said, punctuating the compliments with, “Hallelujah!”
Then cameLuke Bryan’s turn.
“I’ve never seen anything like it, Lionel,” he began.
“Never seen anything like it,” Richie repeated.
“When you sing in church, what do people do?
Do they just run to the baptism pit and jump in it and get saved immediately?”
And the celebration didn’t end there.
“I present this to you in front of the heavens above.”
Watch Hill’s full audition (and Richie’s ecstatic reaction) above.
