A new era of American Idol has officially begun. After months of celebrating Carrie Underwood‘s homecoming, from contest to winner to judge, the newly cemented judge has officially endured her first audition of Season 23. Joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Underwood discussed how things have changed on the show that made her 20 years ago.
To kick off the season comes the audition by Sonny Tennet. Hailing from South Shields, Tennet stunned the judges. That is after clarifying to Luke Bryan that “shrimp on the barbie” is not from his homeland of the UK. As Carrie Underwood’s first contestant, Tennet said, “It is so surreal.” He’s been a singer-songwriter, naming Lionel Richie as one of his influences. Accompanying himself on guitar, Tennet sings “Easy” by The Commodores in hopes of earning a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Sonny Tennet Gets ‘American Idol’ Aflutter
With R&B as a major influence, Tennet takes the song to a smooth, acoustic direction with his silky smooth vocals. His performance left newly appionted judege Carrie Underwood judges aflutter, with Richie even saying, “You made my song, your song.” For her first official critique behind the table, Underwood noted, “You look joyous when you were playing and singing and we felt that. Perfect song choice.” Bryan noted that Tennet sang the “timeless song in a timeless way.” With three yeses, Sonny Tennet is going to Hollywood!
