Fayetteville native Madison Watkins punched her ticket to Hollywood Week on Sunday’s episode of “American Idol.”
Watkins, a former contestant on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice” who recently moved to Los Angeles, performed a song written about her father titled “Your Little Girl” during her audition in front of this season’s judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
The judges all had high praise for Watkins, and each voted “yes” to advance her to the next round.
“A lot of people walk in this door with great personality and they don’t deliver with vocals,” said Richie. “You gave a package of sunshine. I love the timbre of your voice.”
Bryan agreed.
“You check every box in the book singing-wise,” Bryan said. “You certainly have made the right choice in coming in L.A.”
Perry likend Watkins to a “fresh off the bus Britney Spears, Crossroads movie, hope in a bottle” type of performer.
“I think you are what we look for on American Idol,” said Perry.
“American Idol” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on ABC. The highly anticipated Hollywood Week segments begin March 21.
