JMarie might not be the first “American Idol” contestant to audition with a Carrie Underwood song — but she is the first to impress Underwood so much that the judge and Season 4 “Idol” winner forgot that “Before He Cheats” was her song.
JMarie’s performance kicked off Sunday night’s episode of “American Idol,” which marked the final audition episode of Season 23. The Brooklyn singer burst into a rendition of “Before He Cheats” in front of judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Underwood herself, who scored a major hit with the tune in 2006.
Underwood was so moved by the performance that she opened up about being a first-time judge for the singing competition.
“I was a little worried coming into [auditions], sitting here, that people would sing my songs to me, but you made it your own,” she said. “I forgot about myself having ever sung that song, and it was like I had heard it for the first time. It was effortless, amazing.”
“You made it yours, and you came with attitude,” added Richie.
The judges unanimously decided to give JMarie a ticket to Hollywood.
“I am living proof that it doesn’t matter how long it takes or the road you have to take, as long as you get there,” JMarie said.
