Not all “American Idol” hopefuls leave with a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Kase Tippens, 14, from Oklahoma, performed “Wondering Why” by The Red Clay Strays, which aired Sunday night.
“That was beautifully 14,” judge Luke Bryan said after the performance.
Judge Carrie Underwood told Tippens that when she was 15 she had a chance with a big record label “and it didn’t work out.”
“And it was the best thing for me,” she said, also encouraging him to keep going forward.
“This is just the beginning,“ Tippens wrote on Instagram Sunday. “I have big dreams and big goals, and I’m more motivated than ever to chase them down. I can’t wait to see what’s next, and I’m so grateful to have y’all on this journey with me.”
The show played a montage of performances the judges said no to, which was often followed by tears.
“I’m sorry,” Underwood said putting her head down on the table.
“I want it really, really bad,” one contestant told the judges.
But Bryan told her that “no’s are a part of this business.”
“I’ll be back,” another contestant said.
“American Idol” airs at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
