Singer Amanda Barise Not Holding Back on ‘American Idol’: “I Want To Show That Underdogs Can Win”

Fans of American Idol tuned in on Sunday to watch the last round of auditions. Setting the stage for the rest of season 23, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood believed they found the perfect group of contestants to move forward. While some anxiously await next Sunday for a new episode, they won’t have to wait that long as there is a new episode on Monday, March 31st. Jumping to two episodes a week, American Idol recently teased tonight’s episode with a performance from Amanda Barise. 

Having explored the music industry for years, Barise quickly learned how demanding the industry could be when it came to her voice and especially her looks. She told the judges, “Being a full-time vocalist and musician is very hard. In the music industry you’re not always judged off your voice and off of your talent.”

Recalling some of her moments in music, Barise noted how she was told to change more than once. “To change my sound, to straighten my hair, to lose weight.” Tired of the constant criticism and demands of change, the singer revealed it was those comments that stopped her from auditioning on American Idol. Finally gaining the strength, she wanted to do more than showcase her talents – “I want to be the next American Idol because I want to show that underdogs can win.”

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‘American Idol’ Judges Shower Amanda Barise With Praise

Offering a sneak peek into the beginning of Hollywood Week, Barise stood not only in front of the judges but an audience full of people. Gaining the spotlight, the singer offered a stellar performance of “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” 

While Barise went into her audition “with zero expectations”, she had a different approach during Hollywood Week. And the judges couldn’t get enough as Richie insisted, “Every once in a while, a possession comes along… that was absolutely amazing. I don’t know what to say to you, that was really great.”

Don’t miss a new episode of American Idol, airing tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and available to stream the following day on Hulu.

(American Idol, 2025)