In their American Idol audition, airing on Sunday, teen brother and sister Ammon Olayan and Liahona Olayan share a story about living in Hawaii, part of that time in a tent. The parents moved the family from Utah to get closer to their heritage, and bond as a family unit. They lived off the land! And in Hawaii, the two discovered a talent for writing music. The two, only a year apart, are the oldest of 8 kids.
The duo sing an original song, “Listen to My Heart” together in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Although the song has romantic overtones, the teens explain their sibling arguments inspired its creation.
Lionel calls their sound “fresh.” Luke praises Liahona’s voice in particular, calling it “ready for the radio.” But he feels Ammon needs “a little bit of growth, vocally.” Katy calls them “incredible song writers.” Katy also notes that Liahona is the better singer. Looking forward to the tears when Ammon is sent home first! But in the meantime, both are heading to Hollywood.
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Interesting, these teens have released and performed music together over the last couple of years. It seems odd they didn’t audition for America’s Got Talent or The Voice, where duos can compete together. Or maybe they did and got rejected?
American Idol airs on Sunday February 21 at 8 pm ET/PT.
Watch Ammon and Liahona Olayan sing for the judges, below.
