Kolbi Jordan Amazes American Idol Judges With Soulful Performance
Thanks to American Idol judge Lionel Richie, Kolbi Jordan got the chance to speak to her all-time favorite artist, the legendary Patti LaBelle.
26-year-old Jordan auditioned for Season 23 of American Idol, which premiered on March 9, 2025. During her introduction to judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, Jordan spoke about her love for LaBelle, who’s known as “the Godmother of Soul.”
“Patti LaBelle, favorite singer, baby,” Jordan told them.
When Bryan mentioned that Richie has LaBelle “on speed dial,” Jordan remarked, “Don’t call her, ’cause I’m gonna pass out.”
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From there, Jordan moved into her audition. She delivered a passionate and powerful rendition of Chrisette Michele’s “Epiphany (I’m Leaving),” which reached #14 on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2009.
The judges were clearly blown away by Jordan’s performance. Richie couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, wow, wow!” as he listened to her sing, and Bryan followed shortly after with a “Whoa!” A little later in the song, Underwood turned to Bryan, her eyes wide in amazement.
Before Jordan even finished the final note, Richie could be seen messing with his phone. When Bryan asked if he was calling LaBelle, Richie confirmed that’s exactly what he was doing!
Lionel Richie Surprises Kolbi Jordan By Calling Patti LaBelle, Says He Wants To See Them Sing Together In The Finale
Jordan stared in shock as LaBelle answered the phone.
“I’m so happy you answered the phone at the right time, darling,” Richie said. “There is a young lady here who has really been ‘sanging.’ So I want to introduce you.”
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Jordan didn’t know what to say to LaBelle other than, “Hi, beautiful!” Still in shock, Jordan blurted out, “Can I have some pie?”
For those who don’t know, in addition to being an iconic singer, LaBelle is also famous for her pies!
LaBelle responded, “I’ll give you some pie after you win.” She ended the call by saying, “Love you, Kolbi” and wished her good luck.
“My dream is to have the two of you standing side by side,” Richie said, referring to how he’d like to see Jordan sing with LaBelle during the finale. “I can’t even imagine what that’s going to be.“
The judges initially helped Jordan get one step closer to that milestone by giving her three “yes” votes and a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. But they had another surprise in store.
Before Idol‘s new season started, Jordan got the chance to sing at a Tennessee Titans game. After the performance, the judges and host Ryan Seacrest surprised her with a “Golden Ticket upgrade,” awarding her one of the coveted Platinum Tickets!
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The judges only have a few Platinum Tickets to hand out each season, so they save them for the absolute best contestants.
As a Platinum Ticket winner, Jordan now gets to skip the first round of performances during Hollywood Week. She can simply watch in the audience, knowing that she’s already safe for that round.
After getting a call from her favorite singer AND earning a Platinum Ticket, Kolbi Jordan is on cloud nine right now! Watch her extraordinary audition below, plus see the moment when Lionel Richie called Patti LaBelle after her performance.