All it takes is one opportunity for someone’s life to change forever. And that’s exactly what happened to Delaney Renee.
On Sunday night’s premiere of American Idol, Delaney auditioned for season 20 of the popular singing competition. However, her journey to get there was anything but ordinary.
In the clip, a mom named Nicki explains to the three judges—Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan—how the next contestant nabbed an invite to audition. Nicki reveals that she secretly filmed her babysitter, Delaney, singing a candid version of “Part of Your World” from Little Mermaid. Nicki posted the video on TikTok, and it went viral. (We’re talking 16+ million views.)
“To me, it was all about having her see herself the way I heard her without knowing the cameras were on,” Nicki explains.
It didn’t take long for American Idol producers to slide into their DMs. “Idol was right on top of it,” Nicki adds. “The next day we heard, and I said, ‘This is your chance. What are we doing?’”
Right on cue, Delaney enters the room and sings a beautiful version of “Opportunity” by Sia. The judges are blown away by her performance, unanimously agreeing that she should advance to Hollywood.
“Way to lose your babysitter,” Luke jokes. To which Nicki says, “That’s all right. We’ll share her with the world.”
Props to Nicki, who should seriously pursue a career as a talent scout.
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