“Idol” Judges Praise Mia Matthews After Powerful Lainey Wilson Cover

American Idol / YouTube

American Idol‘s Top 20 performed on Sunday night’s (April 15) episode.

After performing at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii for the round of 24, each contestant was on stage in Los Angeles to discover their fate. Usually, the judges make the cuts during the Hawaii round, but American Idol let the fans vote this year. 

Contestants were seated at the side of the stage and called up one by one if they made it to the Top 20. After learning that news, they immediately performed in what would become their chance to earn a spot in the Top 14. Top 14 results will be given on Monday’s (April 15) episode.

Mia Matthews was the second singer to make it to the Top 20.

Only 20-year-old Jake Blocker was safe before Mia, who hails from Alabama. Matthews took on Lainey Wilson’s song “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” which is her latest single on country radio.

Playing a purple guitar that matched her purple dress perfectly, Matthews showed a new side to fans. She normally performs more subdued songs, but with “Wildflowers And Wild Horses,” she turned it up a notch and showed off her vocal range.

Judge Katy Perry agreed and said, “Not to sound corny, but I think you found your roar!” Of course, Perry was referring to her hit song “Roar.”

Perry continued, “The way that you looked at the cameras, and looked straight in our eyes, you’ve got a lot less fear, and that’s what’s gonna take you all the way to the top.”

Bryan complimented the singer on her growth from her shy audition but encouraged her to continue letting her walls down.

Mia is in a trio with her sister and mom.

Mia performs in the trio Worth the Wait with her mom, Tara, and sister, Jacy. Jacy auditioned for American Idol this season but didn’t make it past Hollywood Week. As a trio, they competed in the 2020 season of The Voice on Team Blake.

They are still a trio, despite Jacy and Mia auditioning separately for American Idol. Although Jacy was already eliminated, it’s clear there is no love lost. Jacy and their mom, Tara, have been cheering Mia along the way.

Perhaps this solo competition is just what Mia did to take her confidence, vocal training, and stage presence to the next level.

In her pre-performance package, she said, “I’ve been in a trio so long, I didn’t have a chance to figure out who Mia was until now.” 

Watch Mia’s incredible performance below.