High Schooler Flies Solo to 'American Idol' Audition, Moves Judges to Tears

Lanii's emotional performance and personal story touch the hearts of the 'Idol' panel

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Lanii, a 19-year-old high school student, traveled alone to Nashville to audition for 'American Idol', doing so in honor of her father who was in the ICU fighting for his life. Despite her insecurities about her voice, Lanii delivered an incredible performance of Demi Lovato's 'Tell Me You Love Me' that moved the judges, especially Lionel Richie, to tears.

Why it matters

Lanii's story highlights the personal struggles and sacrifices some contestants make to pursue their dreams on shows like 'American Idol'. Her bravery in auditioning alone while her father was ill resonated with the judges and viewers, showcasing the human spirit and authenticity that the show aims to celebrate.

The details

Lanii revealed that her father had been battling addiction for years, and she had often cried watching him struggle. Though he eventually stopped drinking, he developed liver failure and was awaiting a transplant in the ICU. Lanii decided to audition for 'Idol' in his honor, as he had always believed in her talent when no one else did.

  • Lanii traveled alone to Nashville to audition for 'American Idol'.
  • Lanii's father was in the ICU fighting for his life during her audition.

The players

Lanii

A 19-year-old high school student who auditioned for 'American Idol' in honor of her father who was in the ICU.

Lionel Richie

One of the judges on 'American Idol' who was moved to tears by Lanii's performance and personal story.

Luke Bryan

One of the judges on 'American Idol' who praised Lanii's authenticity and bravery in auditioning alone.

Carrie Underwood

One of the judges on 'American Idol' who told Lanii she had an incredible voice and completely owned her audition performance.

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What they’re saying

“You have an incredible voice. I don't even know if you know what you could be capable of, but you completely owned that. That was awesome.”

— Carrie Underwood, Judge (americansongwriter.com)

“You're out here being so real and open with us. You're not hiding anything. You're not trying to be something you're not. You're just being authentically you.”

— Luke Bryan, Judge (americansongwriter.com)

“There's just something really special about you. How brave you are to get on a plane and roll the dice and just sing your little heart out. That's what this show's about.”

— Luke Bryan, Judge (americansongwriter.com)

“You walked in the door with all this bubbling personality and gave us an artist... It's pretty uplifting to see the human spirit. You're a perfect example of it.”

— Lionel Richie, Judge (americansongwriter.com)

What’s next

Lanii will continue on in the 'American Idol' competition, with her next performance airing on an upcoming episode.

The takeaway

Lanii's story of perseverance and authenticity in the face of personal adversity resonated deeply with the 'American Idol' judges and audience, showcasing the power of music to uplift the human spirit.