Sixteen-year-old Kiera Howell may have walked into the American Idol audition room feeling nervous, but it didn’t take long for her to leave a lasting impression. The high school student from Geneva, Alabama, wowed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a confident and gritty cover of a We The Kingdom song—one that ultimately earned her comparisons to former Idol standout Gabby Barrett.
While introducing herself, Howell admitted she was feeling a bit anxious, but her nerves melted away the moment she began to sing. Known for performing at festivals, Howell shared that she thrives on connecting with audiences and has recently been drawn toward Christian rock, a genre that perfectly suited her powerful and raspy vocal style.
“I sing at festivals a lot. Those are my favorites,” Howell explained. “I love getting to interact with people afterward. I’m super social—I’m a talker. I’ve been kind of pulled toward Christian rock lately, and that’s what I’m singing today.”
Launching into her performance, Howell showcased her distinctive tone on the chorus, singing, “Get on outta here, get on up and leave / Ain’t no devil gonna tread on me…” Her delivery was bold, confident, and packed with personality, earning immediate applause from the judges as soon as she finished.
Carrie Underwood was the first to rush forward, praising Howell’s versatility and vocal texture. “There’s a lot going on in there,” Underwood said. “You’ve got this grittiness in your voice, and I can hear you singing country—or even something like Stevie Nicks. I really like your voice. And I mean, who needs oxygen, right?” she joked, referencing Howell’s raspy edge.
Luke Bryan followed up with his own praise, playfully suggesting Howell may have broken one of Underwood’s long-note records during the audition. “You’re very spunky, and you’ve got great energy,” Bryan said. “Just make sure you sing smart as you go forward.”
Underwood later offered some guidance, pointing out that Howell’s bubbly personality should continue to shine through her song choices. “Because you’re so fun and spunky, keeping your songs young and energetic will really serve you well,” she said with a wink.
Lionel Richie also chimed in, applauding Howell’s enthusiasm and stage presence. “That kind of energy is exactly what Idol University is looking for,” he said.
With unanimous “yes” votes from all three judges, Howell earned her Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week, which will take place in Music City this season. After she exited the room, Underwood summed up the moment with a standout comparison: “She’s got a little Gabby Barrett quality in there too.”
Still in disbelief, Howell shared her excitement backstage. “This is so unreal,” she said. “I’ve watched this on TV, and now I’m holding it on TV. This day was absolute perfection—I’m going to Hollywood Week.”
New episodes of American Idol air Monday nights at 8/7c on ABC and are available to stream the following day on Hulu.
