Defeated 22-Year-Old Single Mom Aces Second Audition For 'American Idol' With Adele Cover

Apr 05, 2023

Season after season, “American Idol” gives viewers new delights and surprises, and the show’s 21st season is no exception, as singers from all over the country flocked to the auditions to showcase how they can be the next singing sensation.

“American Idol” was responsible for catapulting artists to greater heights. Take, for example, previous winners like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, Candice Glover, David Cook, and Jordin Sparks, among many others, whose lives changed after winning or simply appearing in the cutthroat singing competition. 

On “American Idol,” selected contestants who advance from the audition round — having won a so-called golden ticket — have to be filtered out during Hollywood Week. 

For some, joining reality singing competitions like this meant one step closer to fulfilling their dreams of becoming the next big star. While others get in easily, some have to try and try again in order for them to earn their way in. 

Fire, a 22-year-old single mother, was given a special chance on the show as she was allowed to audition twice, both in March 2023 episodes. In her first audition in New Orleans with her daughter, Fire performed Bruno Mars’ hit song “Talking To The Moon.” It ended on a sad note as she received two "nos" from the judges and a reassurance from Katy Perry that she could audition again in Nashville and show them that she had the spark to get into the competition. 

Staying true to her ambition of earning that spot as she aspired to sing for a better new life, Fire came and blew the house down with her auditions. Read on to learn more about Fire’s second shot at “American Idol” auditions!

“The world’s not designed for single moms to be successful, so I did what I had to do,” Fire said. “And I need to do better. I need to get away from dancing. I need to do this for me. I need to do this for my daughter.”

Fire returned to the “American Idol” stage energized to win her spot in the competition. Compared to her heartbreaking audition in New Orleans, her 4-year-old daughter was not present on her second chance appearance, which she said distracted her at the time. 

"I don't even recognize you," Perry said at the single mom’s renewed energy and confidence. "You look lighter and brighter."

According to Fire, she “went and sang songs” all day, every day in her own house, even everywhere, just to prepare for her second audition. 

"I need to prove I deserve a second chance,” she said. 

Fire sang an Adele classic – “Love In The Dark.” She revealed that she went for a more emotional song with lyrics that still channeled the same emotions she had put into her first audition.

As she sang through it, Perry was vocal in her encouragement – saying that she has to “fight for it” – urging her to unleash more of her spirit and energy. As soon as she finished singing, Lionel Richie praised her for her “great tone,” but was “unsure” if she could take it to the next level. 

Luke Bryan agreed with Richie, saying that she was not the best singer they had encountered, but he saw something in her that needed to be pushed while Perry gave her more technical advice. 

Ultimately, all three judges gave her a yes and told her that they were waiting for her to blossom into something greater in the rest of the competition. 

Do you think Fire deserved to advance into the competition? What can you say about her performance? Do you think she could win “American Idol?" Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones who you might think would enjoy this!