Chris Stapleton Lookalike Wows 'American Idol' Judges With His Rendition Of Adele’s 'Set Fire To The Rain'

Jun 29, 2023

“American Idol” is one of America's biggest singing competitions. The over two-decade-old show was created by serial entrepreneur and TV producer Simon Fuller in 2002. Despite a two-year hiatus between 2016 and 2018, the show has aired for 21 seasons since it premiered. The series is a talent show that discovers talented unsigned singers nationwide. 

Each season of the show starts with a comprehensive audition to select the final contestants. These contestants are mentored and critiqued by the judges. At the show's season finale, the viewers’ voting power determines the winner.

Since its inception, the singing talent show has witnessed the start of successful music careers for celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood, among others. Before getting a platform on the show, many of these would-be music stars were diamonds in the rough with no way to showcase their skills. But after the show, they took advantage of the platform and built admirable careers.

As it has in the past, the show still provides a platform for undiscovered singers to kickstart their musical careers. Like the preceding seasons, the 21st season of the show, which premiered in February 2023, attracted highly talented singers from across the country, 13 of whom made it to the main stage. 

One of these singers was 24-year-old Warren Peay, who resembled singer Chris Stapleton and impressed the audience with his voice during his April 2023 performance on the show. Continue reading to relive the moment the audience was wowed by his rendition of Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain."

Looks, they say, can be very deceiving, and the audience of Season 21 of “American Idol” saw firsthand what that meant. When Peay mounted the stage to sing Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain," no one expected what he would sound like, seeing that his looks had earned him comparisons with singer Chris Stapleton. 

Barely a few notes into his rendition, the judges and the audience were visibly surprised and impressed by his song of choice. After the performance, they dropped their thoughts on his song rendition.

"The best thing about this competition is when a contestant comes out and does a song that we didn't see coming," Luke Bryan said after Peay's performance.

"Everybody was not seeing Adele about to happen when you walked out, but that's a part of this game: to do things that people aren't expecting. And you did a great job," Bryan added.

In a personal interview before mounting the stage, the 24-year-old shared his hopes for his performance to show a "different side" of himself." And his performance did precisely that.

"The math is not mathing here," judge Katy Perry commented on his chosen song. "Then you started singing and I was like, 'OK this is starting to vibe.' I really appreciate the making your own moment."

Judge Lionel Richie was also impressed by the rendition. He commended Peay's strong voice and suggested that he switch things up in future performances.

After his performance, Peay revealed why he went against guest mentor Allen Stone's suggestion to throw his hat to the crowd for a dramatic effect. 

"The real reason I didn't throw my hat tonight is because it's sort of my good luck charm because there's a picture of my girlfriend and I here from the audition," he shared.

How did you feel after watching Warren Peay's performance of Adele‘s “Set Fire to the Rain''? Do you think he will join other “American Idol” stars to build a successful music career? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family members, and fellow “American Idol” fans.