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Popular reality competition series American Idol season 23 aired a brand new episode on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC. It documented the final batch of contestants participating in the last round of auditions. They performed their best to impress judges and viewers. Participants also hoped to earn a golden or platinum ticket to advance to the Hollywood Week round of the competition.
On this week's episode of American Idol, Kaya Stewart was accompanied by her father Dave Stewart, a popular musician and record producer who was part of the group Eurythmics.
While the contestant impressed the judges and received a golden ticket, fans were not too keen on her performance and felt that the judges only sent her forward because she was the daughter of a popular singer. One tweeted:
Kaya Steawart gets a golden ticket on American Idol
Tonight's episode of American Idol saw the contestants getting ready for the final round of auditions and trying to impress the judges one last time. They wanted to give their best so that they could earn the final set of golden tickets and one last platinum ticket to advance to the Hollywood Week round.
Among the contestants was Kaya Stewart, who was accompanied by her father and Eurythmics member Dave Stewart. As Kaya made her way to the stage, Dave also entered with his guitar, surprising the judges. They wondered what the popular record producer was doing on the set of a reality singing competition.
The American Idol contestant then revealed that Dave Stewart was her father and reflected on her bond with him. Kaya noted how music had been a part of her life even before she was born and how she used to accompany her father on all of his tours.
Lionel Richie revealed that he and Dave Stewart were both inducted together into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame together in 2022. Katy Perry asked Kaya whether it was the right choice for her to be on the show, given the connections she has with the musician being her father.
The American Idol contestant explained that she wanted to pave her own path and make music. Lionel called the show "a creative destination for artists." For her audition, Kaya sang an original song, This Tattoo, which she co-wrote with her father. The judges were seemingly impressed by her performance and gave her a standing ovation.
Lionel Richie applauded Kaya for her courage to audition on the show. He further said:
"I love the tone of your voice..And you're an artist, you really are an artist."
While fellow American Idol judge Luke Bryan noted that it was a tricky competition, he felt Kaya was "worthy to go jump in the midst of all this." He felt it was evident that the contestant had grown "up and around the stage." The judge also looked forward to more songs from the singer.
Katy Perry conveyed to the contestant that they were going to push her further because she had the potential and was also aware of the business. The judges then gave their approval and handed her the golden ticket.
Fans react to Kaya Stewart getting the golden ticket on American Idol
Fans took to social media to express their views. They felt that Kaya wasn't as impressive and only got the ticket because she was Dave Stewart's daughter.
Some fans felt that the judges knew Dave Stewart well and were thus obligated to give a golden ticket to Kaya.
Kaya Stewart ends up quitting American Idol
During the Hollywood Week round of performances, Kaya Stewart paired up with Fire Wilmore for a performance. While everything seemed good in the beginning, things quickly turned south after Kaya fell sick on the day of the performance. She ran a high fever and even forgot the words to the song because of lack of practice.
As she took to the stage with Fire, the contestant revealed she wouldn't be able to perform in front of the judges. She said:
“I have been trying to push myself and keep going. During this performance I got to work with Fire and it was such a great experience. She’s so talented, so incredible and we bonded so much, but I realized I wasn’t able to give 100 percent.”
Kaya eventually left the stage in tears. This marked her official exit from American Idol season 21.
Season 21 of American Idol has seen a lot of talent this year. As the installment progresses, the contestants will have to go through even more difficult challenges that will test their musical abilities and push them to their limits. Viewers will have to stay tuned to witness what's more to come this season.
Don't forget to tune in to a brand new episode of American Idol next Sunday, April 2, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC.
