Luke Bryan Chokes Up After Keyla Richardson’s American Idol Audition: “A Voice That Will Stop People in Their Tracks”

Luke Bryan called Keyla Richardson’s audition “one of my favorite moments I’ve ever had on this show,” and for good reason.

Keyla Richardson, a 29-year-old single mother, gospel singer, and music teacher from Pensacola, Florida, delivered one of the most emotionally powerful auditions of the season on American Idol. Her performance earned high praise from all three judges—Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan—and secured her a golden ticket to Hollywood Week.

Before stepping into the audition room, Richardson shared her personal story with Idol producers. She explained that her son, Drew, is the driving force behind everything she does. A music teacher for six years, Richardson said she often sees herself in the children she teaches—kids with talent who simply need someone to believe in them.

“When those kids step into the class, I see myself a lot of times. I grew up in the church, grew up singing, but I just felt like I wasn’t good enough. Nobody saw me, nobody heard me,” Richardson said. “I had to make up in my mind like, you can do this. Whatever you put your mind to do, you can do it. My son means the world to me. He’s all I got. He’s my best friend.”

Standing proudly beside her, Drew shared his own message:

“It’s just been me and her for most of my life. She’s the best mom in the world. She deserves everything.”

Richardson responded through tears:

“You’re the reason I’m here today and why Mommy’s going to keep going. Because of him, I’m here, and I will never give up. I’m raising a young man. I’m a single mother by myself.”

 

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A Journey Marked by Perseverance

When Richardson entered the audition room, she was greeted by Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. She spoke openly about her long musical journey and her determination to keep pushing forward.

“I had a long musical journey, but I never give up, so I just want to keep going and give it one more try,” she told the judges.

Richardson is no stranger to the spotlight. She previously appeared on Season 9 of BET’s gospel competition series Sunday Best, finishing in the top four. Following the show, she achieved her first Billboard No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart with her single “So Good.” She also appeared in the 2022 film Due Season, portraying Vicky Waters alongside Vivica A. Fox.

A Performance That Stopped the Room

For her American Idol audition, Richardson chose a soaring and emotional cover of P!nk’s “Glitter in the Air.” Wearing a black and gray leather ensemble, she delivered the song with only piano accompaniment, allowing her powerhouse vocals to take center stage.

“Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it…
Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?”

Her performance filled the room with intensity and control, showcasing both her range and emotional depth.

“Dang!” Carrie Underwood said with a smile. “If there’s one thing I could tell you, it’s that sometimes, just let it breathe a little bit.”

Lionel Richie added, “I can imagine you on some songs where you would just blow the roof off of this place because of the range. Now is how much you don’t give us… what Carrie said is correct.”

Luke Bryan asked to hear the chorus one more time. As Richardson sang again—this time with even more confidence—the judges were visibly moved.

“You see what your mama made me do?” Bryan said as tears streamed down his face, speaking to her son. “When you felt confident the way you just sang that with confidence, you have a voice that will make people stop in their tracks.”

A Golden Ticket and a New Beginning

Keyla Richardson received three “yes” votes and a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, which will take place in Music City this season.

Carrie Underwood turned to Drew and asked if he sings. He replied that he does and offered to sing “God Only Knows” for his mom.

“My pride and joy right here—this is who I do it for,” Richardson said. “I’m going to do it for him.”

With a story rooted in resilience, faith, and determination, Keyla Richardson’s American Idol audition became more than a performance—it became a moment of connection that left the judges, and viewers, deeply moved.