Season 22 of American Idol is underway and celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie searching far and wide for the next big talent.
Bethany Teague delivers an emotional cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece by Piece”
Bethany Teague, a 25-year-old preschool teacher from North Carolina, hoped to impress the judges with her rendition of “Piece by Piece” by the original American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson.
“Piece by Piece” was written by Kelly Clarkson and was the title track of her 2015 album. In the song, Clarkson draws a striking parallel between the neglect of her own father and the love of her then-husband Brandon Blackstock. In the lyrics, she reflects that her faith has been restored that “a man can be kind and a father could stay.”
The hopeful contestant sang with passion and by the end, she was wiping away tears. She revealed some insight into her life that made it clear why “Piece by Piece” struck a chord within her.
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Bethany Teague says she is inspired by her family
Teague shared that she was adopted by here Grandmother when she was five years old. Additionally, she told Katy Perry that her mother passed away in 2017 and that her father was never in the picture. She adds, “that’s why my family is so important.”
Perry encouraged the young singer to “turn that pain into purpose.”
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The judges weigh in on Bethany Teague’s touching audition
All three judges commended Teague on her vocals and her ability to sing from the heart. Katy Perry expressed would like to “feel another gear of that passion,” and that it just needs some “shaping.”
Lionel Richie called the performance “very moving,” and added that Teague “delivered the heck out of it.”
With unanimous consent from the judges, Bethany Teague is going to Hollywood! Watch her full audition below.