American Idoltruly is a family affair!
During Sunday’s episode of the ABC competition show, 21-year-old contestant Zaréh surprised her mom — season 4 Top 8 finalist, Nadia Turner — with herIdolaudition, all while earning a standing ovation from judgesLionel Richie,Katy PerryandLuke Bryan
“When I was around 4 years old, my mother was on season 4 ofIdoland she made it to the Top 8,” said Za, a stylist from Los Angeles. “She does not know that I’m auditioning forAmerican Idol.”
Zaréh.ABC/Eric McCandless
Asking longtime hostRyan Seacrestfor help in getting her mom to the audition, Za pulled off the ultimate surprise.
“She’s either going to be super disappointed or super thrilled,” said Za, before pulling off her mom’s blindfold.
“Surprise, I’m auditioning forAmerican Idol,” Za told Turner.
“For the first time onAmerican Idol,the handkerchief goes to your mother,” Richie said, while handing the hankie to Turner — who was in tears during her daughter’s audition. “There’s a word called pride and mom was blowing up over there.”
“In your zone you are tremendous,” added Bryan. “When you start getting to the top levels of your range, gritty it up a little bit.”
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.ABC/Eric McCandless
“Za, I think you’ve got a lot of things going for you,” said Perry. “You’ve got a real opportunity. You’ve got a cool vibe through and through and it feels authentic. You’ve got a cool voice. I think you have the beginning of what could be a real artist.”
“It’s such a wonderful, heartfelt story on the 20th season ofAmerican Idolto have this come full circle,” said Richie.
Nadia Turner.Ray Mickshaw/WireImage
“American Idolwas a journey that had so many pluses and to see what it does for Za — I can’t wait,” said Turner. “The sky is limit for her.”
American Idolairs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
source: people.com
