American Idol 2024 premiere features 15 year old Triston Harper wowing the judges with his authentic cover of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up.”
American Idol 2024 kicks off on Sunday February 18 with a brand new crop of hopefuls!
One singer who hoped to impress the judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan is 15-year-old Triston Harper who survived homelessness with his mom, and knew he deserved better.
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The young singer from McIntosh, Alabama elicited gasps from the panel after he revealed his age. “Oh my gosh I have been out-countried!” exclaimed Luke. “By a 15-year old!” Katyy added.
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Triston grew up in a small town and had been “through a lot” in his young life. The town he grew up in is home to members of the Choctaw Indian tribe. The tribal chief shared how honored they are that one of their own will appear on American Idol.
“I think that story alone is about as compelling as it’s going to get”
The singer got into music to make something of himself, Triston explained. Growing up had its “ups and downs” said Triston. By age 11, his mother was with his step father who turned out to be abusive. He and his mother left and ended up sleeping on the sidewalk. Triston’s mom, Mattie Mae shared that”life has been really hard,” noting that Triston’s maturity came because he had to take on so much.
Ultimately Triston’s “paw paw” brought them home, and off of the streets. “I never thought I’d be able to tell my story until American Idol,” said Triston. “Makes me happy just thinking about it.”
“I think that story alone is about as compelling as it’s going to get,” said Lionel before Triston performed a raw and heartfelt rendition of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up,” accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. His family stood outside the audition room nervously listening to him sing.
“You are so authentic, so connected to yourself, singing from your soul”
“Your voice, you got it,” Lionel said afterward. “When you go into telling a story, you’ve got us right here.” Lionel added, “The purity of your verses…killer.” But, he suggests, “Make sure we know what that story is, because your voice is a storytelling voice.”
“You are so authentic, so connected to yourself, singing from your soul,” said Katy, adding, “It wasn’t perfect, but it resonated with me. It was really good. I’m impressed for 15. That’s the old soul.”
“Anything that you’re doing technically wise singing is ’cause you’re 15,” said Luke. “If I could have an afternoon with you and just say ‘don’t do that anymore! Don’t do those two things’.” As far as Luke is concerned, Triston is a diamond in the rough.
“You’re a shotgun,” added Katy. “Just watch where you are aiming it.”
Host Ryan Seacrest brought Triston’s mom into the audition room to hear all the judges say “yes.” Next for Triston is the Hollywood round.
The American Idol premiere airs on ABC Sunday Feb 18 at 8 pm ET/PT and the next day on Hulu.
