Watch California nanny wow ‘American Idol’ judges with ‘hypnotic’ Dolly Parton cover
A California nanny belted out a Dolly Parton cover — and impressed the “American Idol” judges with her “sultry twist” on the song.
So much so, celebrity judge Katy Perry called it a “hypnotic rendition” and indicated the 20-year-old singer, Sage, deserved to be among the show’s top five contestants.
“There’s a couple of other pros in this competition though,” Perry said in video from the Sunday, April 10 episode. “So, it’s really going to be about how you attack each song and showing off your individual quirks and strengths.”
Sage received the feedback after taking the stage as one of the show’s top 24 contestants. She made it to that round after her original song wowed the judges in her first audition.
This time, she sang Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” saying she drew energy from the crowd at the Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii.
“I think some of your note choices were really pro,” said celebrity judge Luke Bryan. “You’ve got so many flavors in your voice and I think that’s why Katy’s throwing out top five. And I can’t pose any arguments with that.”
Judge Lionel Richie also chimed in, saying he thought the 20-year-old should remember to be true to herself when singing an “iconic” song such as “Jolene.”
After the show aired, Sage awaited her fate. Instead of the judges choosing who goes onto the next round, the decision was in the hands of viewers.
“YOU have the power to keep me in the competition,” Sage — who lives in Burbank, California — wrote on Instagram before the voting period ended early April 11.
