Katy Perry Cringes As “American Idol” Contestant Sings Her Song

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During Sunday’s (March 3) episode of American Idol, Katy Perry seemed visibly taken aback when a contestant decided to take a daring leap and perform the pop star’s 2008 smash hit “I Kissed a Girl.”

The unexpected rendition of Perry’s debut single unfolded dramatically as Madaí ChaKell, a confident 22-year-old from Massachusetts, boldly entered the audition room.

ChaKell’s Bold Entrance Leaves Judges Stunned

She told Perry and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan that she intended to “get into your bag today.”

ChaKell, who said she grew up in New York, claimed to have been part of a Broadway musical touring company. What followed was a rather theatrical performance that left Perry apprehensive at first.

At one point, Perry raised her eyebrows in astonishment and covered her mouth as ChaKell continued to dance around.

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ChaKell delivered a captivating, high-energy performance, dancing around the stage while hitting an impressive range of vocal runs.

“Werk,” Perry said after ChaKell ended her performance. “All that and a bag of chips.”

Appearing somewhat overwhelmed by ChaKell’s extravagant performance, the judges expressed a desire to hear more in a more relaxed manner.

“I want you to sing ‘Happy Birthday’,” Perry requested, emphasizing her preference for a straightforward rendition without any theatrics.

ChaKell then proceeded to sing the tune with a completely different approach.

 

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Judges Offer Feedback On ChaKell’s Performance

“Listen, it is so fun when you can strip it down, take all that frosting off and there’s still like great cake,” Perry advised. “I appreciated ‘I Kissed a Girl.’ That was like wild and colorful. But if you could mix it with what you just did…”

“I sure can,” ChaKell replied. “I’m an R&B girl, too, so I can. I have a theatrical, classical background. I can switch it up and give you ‘Little Mermaid.’ I can give you whatever.”

Richie then offered his opinion, stating, “All I want to know is, at the end of this run, that you are in control of all the characters.”

Bryan, on the other hand, commented that the singer still has a year or two to refine her skills and truly blossom as an artist.

After receiving a “no” from Luke Bryan and a “yes” from both Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, ChaKell earned her ticket straight to Hollywood. Here’s to hoping her American Idol journey unfolds exceptionally!

Watch Madaí ChaKell’s audition below.