Kaleo Knight has talent well beyond her years.
Videos by American Songwriter
In a sneak peek look at the March 30 episode of American Idol, the 16-year-old California high schooler wowed the judges with her performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls.
So what else is there to know about the teen beyond her amazing vocals? Read on for three quick facts about the singer.
She’s Put Out Music
Before her run on American Idol, Knight released two tracks out into the world.
The first, “Piano,” came out in September 2024. On Instagram, she said it was “such a fun process to write and record this song.” Then, in January, Knight released a second track. Titled “Running Cold,” Knight collaborated on the track her pal, Aidan Marley.
Singing Isn’t Her Only Talent
During her American Idol audition, the teenager revealed singing is just one of her many talents.
“I grew up doing hula dance and learning traditional Hawaiian mele,” she revealed. “I speak Japanese. That’s been a huge part of my upbringing.”
Indeed, on Instagram, Knight frequently posts pics and videos of herself performing hula dance.
She Wowed the American Idol Judges
During Knight’s American Idol audition, the judges were initially concerned when she said she was going to perform “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls.
In fact, Lionel Richie remarked, “Ouch” when he discovered Knight’s song choice. He quickly changed his tune upon hearing Knight sing, though, telling the teen, “So I have the answer to that—we love you. OK? I mean, that was crazy good.”
“I knew where the song was going and I was scared for you—I’m not gonna lie—you landed it!” Carried Underwood remarked, before Luke Bryan weighed in.
“What I loved about you is you fought through and battled through and then just slayed it at the end, which is something a 16-year-old should definitely be proud of,” he said. “Probably the best 16-year-old voice we’ve heard in this competition.”
Before the judges voted, Richie once again expressed how impressed he was with Knight.
“You went from ‘I’m scared to death’ to ‘I got this.’ I love competition when it’s sounding like you,” he said. “Just stay in your lane and blow them away.”
Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.