Matt Wilson, a day care teacher turned singer, wowed the judges on American Idol during week two of season 21 auditions.
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When Wilson, a 21-year-old native of Buffalo, New York, walked into the audition room, he immediately tugged at judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan’s heartstrings when he announced he works with young children at a day care center. “That’s a special human being right there,” Bryan noted.
Wilson also shared that he put his music dreams on the back burner, but with the help of his wife Melisa, he decided to audition for Idol. “It’s been a long time since I’ve really dreamed. I didn’t think it would even be possible,” he said of why he lost his dream of music. “If it wasn’t for her, then I wouldn’t be in front of you guys.”
This sentiment led into his audition song, “For Tonight,” by Giveon. For tonight, I’m yours / So deny the truth / We’ll stay behind closed doors / ‘Cause all I wanna do is lie with you, he sang. Wilson’s smooth voice brought a smile to all the judges’ faces. The tune showed off his melodic range, and the judges rewarded him with a standing ovation.
“You have a purity and believability–I just love the fact that it’s genuine,” Richie praised. “You just had a conversation with us…I love your presentation. Sky’s the limit my friend.”
“I’m just so glad that your wife said, ‘give it one more shot, you’ve got something,'” Perry said, emphasizing the tone of Wilson’s voice.
“That was one of the most genuine, honest, real performances I’ve ever witnessed,” Bryan raved.
“This is like a dream come true,” Wilson professed, bringing his wife into the audition room at Perry’s request.
Melisa revealed that the first time she heard Wilson sing was in middle school. “He blew my mind and he still does every day,” she said. “He has so much talent and I just want the world to see that.”
The judges agreed, with Richie first awarding Wilson with a “yes.”
“Here’s to never giving up to those dreams you put on the shelf,” Perry said before awarding him with the second “yes,” followed by Bryan, solidifying Wilson’s slot in the Hollywood round.
ABC/Eric McCandless
