I must be getting more emotional as I get older, because watching Abi Bowen's audition on American Idol was the most heartwarming thing I've seen this week.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Abi Bowen, a cowgirl from Tennessee, finally faced her fears and auditioned for American Idol. She may have been the most nervous contestant we've seen, for she had to wear dark sunglasses and turn away from the judges.
But she still aced her audition.
Bowen shared that she used to watch the show with her mother, who always encouraged her to audition. Due to her stage fright, she'd never dare. Until her mother passed away, that is.
"This audition is literally the craziest thing I've ever done in my life," she said.
"If you can't face your fears, ride 'em." What words to live by.
She performed Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," but only after she donned her dark sunglasses, clamped her eyes shut, and faced away in an American Idol first. Needless to say, she sang beautifully, and was given the golden ticket.
But not before a reality check by Carrie Underwood.
You can watch Abi Bowen's audition below.
Carrie Underwood Gives American Idol Auditioner A Reality Check
As she sang, the judges silently crept around her to stand in front of her in a line. When she was finished singing, she was in for a bit of a scare.
Throughout the judge feedback, Carrie Underwood kept it the realest with our Tennessee native. As much as she was encouraging, she frankly gave Abi Bowen the two realities that faces her and her nervousness.
"I want you to decide what you want out of this," she said. "Do you want to be in front of people on a stage singing, is that what you want?"
Abi Bown confirmed that, despite her fears, that is what she wants out of her time on American Idol.
"If we send you on, one of two things will happen," Underwood continued. "You're either gonna, like, figure it out... or you're gonna drown in Hollywood."
That is the reality that Bowen has to face, and I'm so glad Underwood said it how it is. No use inflating her full of confidence if she simply isn't mentally ready for the stage.
Ultimately, the judges gave her three yeses, so we'll be seeing much more of her.
