There was a very familiar face on the latest episode of American Idol as a runner-up of the X Factor auditioned for a chance of superstardom.
Scarlett Lee competed on season 15 of the UK competition in 2018, and ended the competition in second place, with Dalton Lee going on to take the title.
She had also tried out for the show the previous year, and reached the six chair challenge stage, before being sent home by then-mentor Sharon Osbourne.
The budding singer, 26, has taken another opportunity to kick off her singing career in the spotlight, appearing in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on Sunday night’s instalment.
‘I can’t believe I’m here,’ she told host Ryan Seacrest. ‘I just can’t believe this is happening. I don’t think it’s going to hit me until I’m in front of the judges.
‘I’m hoping to win over the American hearts.’
Walking into the audition room, Scarlett couldn’t help but fangirl over Katy before belting out a stunning rendition of Clown by Emeli Sande.
After the goosebump-worthy audition, the panel heaped praise on the musician.
‘Oh, my goodness,’ Lionel told her. ‘You do know that your trip was worth it. It was so well executed. I really enjoyed what you did.
Luke agreed: ‘What I do love is you have a neat personality. You have a neat little aura and vibe going on.
Katy confessed that she was initially wary of Scarlett’s ability when she first walked into the room, and was informed of her song choice.
She said: ‘At first when she said, “I’m going to sing Clown by Emeli Sande”, I was like, “Are we being pranked here? I don’t know if she’s for real, I don’t know if I’m taking you seriously – I don’t know if you’re from Love Island and this is some prank.”
‘Because that is one of my favorite songs. It’s so vulnerable.
‘You walked in the room and I know you’re wearing Alien by Thierry Mugler. I know girls like you in London, you do have a vibe. You’re fun and a little bit funky.
‘Your personality is so big, and so sometimes people don’t take you seriously. But when you sing a song, and you sing a song like that, then you cut through all of the layers.
‘It doesn’t matter the makeup, it doesn’t matter the outfit. You become Scarlett Lee the artist. The possible next American Idol. You become serious. So, I’m taking you seriously. Your soul is shining through.’
The judges were unanimous with their votes, and opted to send Scarlett to Hollywood for the next stage.
UK viewers will know Scarlett from her efforts on the X Factor – she first came to fame in 2017 when she first tried out for the show.
She reached the six-chair challenge stage and was briefly given a coveted seat by Sharon, thanks to her performance of Without You by David Guetta.
The following year, she returned and eventually made it through to the live shows with Simon Cowell as her mentor – before being pipped to the crown in the finale.
Taking to Instagram after her American Idol audition aired, Scarlett celebrated her success.
‘I feel like the luckiest girl in the universe right now,’ she captioned a carousel of photos with her Hollywood pass. ‘I want to take this time to say a massive THANK YOU for all your amazing comments, I have cried ALOT!
‘A standing ovation from 3 of the most iconic people EVER #scarlettlee #ScarlettOnIdol #AmericanIdol #scarlett.’
Bring on Hollywood…
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