Aspiring Singer Mattie Pruitt Brings A Special Guest To American Idol
Hit reality show American Idol is on the search for the next big musical star. As they make their way around the country, judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie have discovered hidden talent, touching stories, and exciting potential.
Hopeful contestant Mattie Pruitt’s audition was unlike others. She brought country star Craig Campbell to her audition for moral – and musical – support.
Craig Campbell and Luke Bryan share a long history. Craig played piano for Luke in the early-2000s before he got his record deal. Later in life, the two country singers had children in the same hospital just six days apart.
Additionally, the “Keep Them Kisses Comin'” singer has performed at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa music festival. Luke refers to Craig as a “friendly old friend.”
Craig Campbell Accompanies Mattie Pruitt
Just as he used to do for Luke Bryan, Craig Campbell sat down at the keys to accompany Mattie for her audition. The 15-year-old sang a stunning rendition of Jessie Murph’s “How Could You.”
Ahead of the audition, Craig said of Mattie:
“I think she’s incredible, always have. I think she’s got an exciting future ahead of her.”
Mattie has played at Craig’s Nashville area coffee shop, Grindstone Cowboy, and, according to her mentor, she “sold it out twice.”
The young singer exhibited poise and vocal control well beyond her years and wowed the judges.
Carrie Underwood Predicts Country Music Success
Lionel Richie described Mattie Pruitt’s audition as “outstanding.” Carre Underwood remarked:
“The question isn’t ‘Are you going to be a successful country artist,’ it’s ‘Are we going to be a part of it?’ And the answer is yes.”
Mattie received unanimous “yes” votes from the judges – and an additional one from Craig Campbell – and she is moving on to the next round of competition.
Watch Mattie Pruitt sing “How Could You” accompanied by Craig Campbell on American Idol in the video below!
