‘American Idol’ Contestant Dany Epp Brings in Mom as 4th Judge, Sings Katy Perry Song

On Sunday night (March 12), immediately following the Academy Awards, the newest episode of American Idol kicked off with an audition by Dany Epp, who sang a rendition of Katy Perry’s song, “The One That Got Away.”

But before the song kicked off, Epp told the judges that her mother both loves Idol and “thinks she’s a judge.” That’s when Perry asked if Epp thought her mom would give honest feedback. Assured, Perry welcomed Dany’s mom to sit with the other three judges, making four. It made mom’s night.

Then Epp sang the Perry song, and, beginning a bit nervously, started to hit her stride with confidence and some grunge rock rasp, bringing a new personality to the tune. “She’s got the emotion,” Epp’s mom said, noting also, though, that Epp could have a stronger stage presence.

“This is not a joke anymore,” said Lionel Richie, encoring Epp.

Perry even sang along with Epp, dueting with lovely harmony. Perry said she always gets nervous when someone auditions with her song, but she was pleased by Epp’s performance.

“Has anybody ever been four for four on this panel?” judge Luke Bryan joked. That’s when Dany knew, she’d made it. Unanimously.

Check out the performance by Dany below.

Photo ABC/Eric McCandless