When recalling iconic moments from “American Idol” history, it’s impossible not to mention the show’s first-ever winner, Kelly Clarkson. And on Monday night’s episode of the singing competition, “Idol” hopeful Mattie Pruitt used one of Clarkson’s hits to help her advance to the Top 10.
The 16-year-old singer performed Clarkson’s 2004 song “Because of You” during Monday night’s episode, which revolved around a theme of “iconic ‘Idol’ moments.” Pruitt said the tune’s poignant lyrics resonated with her because members of her family have previously struggled with drug addiction, and the song spoke to “not wanting to go down that same dark path that they have,” she said.
“My uncle struggled a lot with addiction his whole life, but he’s really recovered a lot over the past five years, and now he’s helping people who are struggling with the same thing,” she elaborated. “I’m so proud of him.”
The judging panel of Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan praised Pruitt’s performance, with Bryan noting how well she measured up against her competition, despite being a teenager and this season’s youngest remaining contestant.
“That’s a heavy lift you just did, but you did it well — congratulations,” added Richie.
“Every single time we see you, I feel like you do get more and more connected with the words that you’re singing, the songs that you’re singing,” noted Underwood. “Just keep doing that, keep leaning into it.”
Much like the prior evening’s episode — which saw the departure of Amanda Barise and Desmond Roberts — voting was open only through the duration of Monday’s show. Ryan Seacrest revealed the results at the end of the episode, sending home Filo and Ché Chesterman based on roughly 22 million votes.
The Top 10 contestants, including Pruitt, will face off again this Sunday night during a “Ladies’ Night”-themed episode.
