California

Watch California singer win over ‘American Idol’ judges with her voice — and outfit

Ava Maybee
Ava Maybee Screengrab from "American Idol" YouTube page

For an update on this “American Idol” contestant, click here.

A California singer belted out a Stevie Wonder cover — but her voice wasn’t the only skill that received praise on “American Idol.”

Ava Maybee, a 20-year-old college student, also wore two different patterns on the audition stage. That fashion sense caught the eye of celebrity judge Katy Perry, according to video of the March 27 audition.

“Hard to tell what Katy Perry was more impressed by — Ava Maybee’s strong alto vocals, or her ability to flawlessly pair florals with leopard,” the show wrote on its YouTube page.

When Maybee wasn’t being complimented on her outfit, some judges said they were fans of the way her voice sounded as she sang Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.”

“It started to really open up when the chorus hit,” Perry said. “It’s a cool alto sound. I think if you went forward, you’d be challenged a lot.”

Ultimately, Perry joined fellow celebrity judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie in letting her advance to the next round on “American Idol.”

“I think I’m going to go against your family,” Richie said. “You’re not going to be a Maybee. You’re going to be a for sure.”

The other judges agreed, calling their decisions: “Ava yes.” Maybee, who is from Los Angeles, will now be competing in Hollywood.

This story was originally published March 28, 2022 at 9:36 AM.

Simone Jasper
The News & Observer
Simone Jasper is a service journalism reporter at The News & Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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