Impressing the judges on American Idol is no easy feat but 20-year-old student Walker Burroughs managed to do just that with his latest performance on the hit reality show.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, the budding musician wowed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry with an incredible performance of ‘Your Song’ by Elton John during the Hollywood Week round of the competition. Contestants make it to the Hollywood stage of the show after receiving at least two yes votes from the judges during their original audition. And while no one will ever beat Elton’s talent, Walker certainly came close with his version of the 1971 classic.
Taking to the stage, the singer performed his own rendition of the track that was released decades before he was even born. He didn’t try to mimic Elton, with many fans at home claiming he sounded a lot like Michael Bublé.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OimBxjVYA4
During the performance, Lionel was completely captivated by what he was seeing on stage, while Luke beamed with delight. All three judges gave the singer a standing ovation when the song was over, while fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the performance.
One person on YouTube wrote: “Wow, he absolutely can win this whole thing! Come on, Walker!”
Another comment read: “Such a pure and perfect sounding voice. He must have a beautiful heart. I hope they don’t force him to give them ‘more gears’ and ‘grit’, he is an artist I could always enjoy listening to.”
A third added: “He’s amazing!!! It’s always the best when the voice is so unexpected.”
Walker originally appeared on American Idol earlier in March with a beautiful rendition of ‘Love Like This’ by Ben Rector. During his audition, the student also showcased his piano skills, with Katy describing his performance as “cool”, “natural” and “effortless”.
He then surprised the judges by performing ‘Hello’ by Lionel Richie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdG8ykqTZEw
“I am very, very proud,” Lionel told the signer. “And more importantly, I’m excited for you because I want to put you in front of some talent and blow the competition away.”
Walker has taken to the stage numerous times since his original audition. In addition to performing ‘Your Song’, he also won fans over with another standout performance of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Whereabouts’.
Read more: Blind singer reduces Lionel Richie to tears with beautiful performance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewBeHOLBV5g&feature=share
Walker is one of 40 contestants still in the running to become the next American Idol. The next episode will see contestants travel to Hawaii where they will have to impress a live audience and the judges with their singing abilities. Just 20 contestants will then progress onto the next stage of the competition.