Kicking off its 23rd season last month, American Idol continues its search for the next Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood. In fact, the “Cry Pretty” singer will have a hand in that decision, as Underwood replaced Katy Perry on this year’s judging panel. Along with Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, she will narrow down the pool of competitors even further as Hollywood Week continues. At this stage, standing out among the competition is paramount. And season 23 hopeful MKY did just that, delivering his Showstopper Week performance entirely in Spanish.
Videos by American Songwriter
MKY Shows Off His Chicano Roots on ‘American Idol’
Mikey Jimenez, who goes by MKY, is a 25-year-old Mexican-American singer from East Los Angeles. And his heritage and family have everything to do with why he’s fighting to become the next American Idol.
“So much talent has been overlooked,” MKY said in a sneak peek of his Sunday (April 6) performance.
With much of his family on hand to cheer him on during Showstoppers Week, the R&B singer was prepared to take a risk on national television. Not only did he not miss a note of “Sabor A Mi,” MKY delivered the performance entirely in Spanish.
Luis Miguel’s 1997 track “is such a huge staple song of the culture,” MKY said. “It means a lot to me to be able to sing in Spanish on American Idol. I’ve waited my whole life for this opportunity.”
Online, viewers praised his “smooth as honey” vocals, with one comparing the Idol hopeful to Richie Valens. Another wrote that “Sabor a Mi” was their mother’s favorite song.
“While you sang, I felt my mom close again and could hear her singing along with you,” they wrote. “Gracias por este regalo MKY.”
“Music Is In My DNA”
MKY’s American Idol audition song selection, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ “Ooo Baby Baby,” also has a personal tie-in. The 25-year-old comes from a long line of singers, and the 1965 hit has been a Jimenez family favorite for generations.
“Music is definitely in my blood, it’s in my DNA,” MKY said in his video package. “My great Uncle Little Ray [Jimenez] was the first Chicano Mexican-American singing R&B-soul music in the ‘60s. My grandfather [Mike Jimenez] sang with a soul group called Tierra, and my dad [MYKE Nez] sings R&B-soul. So it’s in me. My family has been chasing this dream, and they passed it on to me.”
Featured image via Instagram
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.