Kaibrienne Richins, known as KB, treats American Idol judges to a haunting Zach Bryan cover
Season 21 of the hit reality singing show American Idol is underway, and this year’s contestant pool is already looking stacked with talent. Among them is a 20-year-old Utah native, Kaibrienne Richins (KB for short), who hoped to impress the judges with her rendition of Zach Bryan’s hit song “Something In The Orange.”
KB reflects on her emotional battle with Hashimoto’s disease
Before showing off her pipes, KB reveals that she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease when she was in the fourth grade. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an “autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland by mistake. Your thyroid then can’t make enough thyroid hormone, so your body can’t work as well.”
The young singer shares that when her condition flares up, it is “super painful” and causes “crazy mood swings.” KB’s father chokes back tears as he recalls how difficult it has been for him to watch his daughter struggle regulate her emotions as a result of the disease, and see her in such low places that she questioned her desire to live. KB says:
“The nights that I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore… I’m just glad that I pushed through.”
Videos of KB singing in the car went viral online
KB’s father, Jewell Richins, noticed that singing was an outlet for his daughter and decided to start filming her singing in the car. He posted the videos to YouTube and TikTok and very quickly, the young woman’s talent caught the attention of viewers, and the videos have amassed millions of views on both platforms.
@jewellrichins Like a river. ##whileyouwerebusy #kb #carrides #sing #tiktok #dad ♬ original sound – Jewell Richins
KB’s audition gives Luke Bryan a “full body wave of chills”
When it was her time to vie for a coveted ticket to Hollywood, KB sang through the nerves and delivered a captivating rendition of Zach Bryan’s hit song “Something In The Orange.” The grit and raw emotion in her voice put a twist on the song that made it uniquely hers.
After her audition, country music superstar Luke Bryan said:
“From the first note, I had like a full body wave of chills.”
His fellow judges, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, gave similar positive responses, adding how unique KB’s voice and style were. Ultimately, KB received a unanimous “yes” from all three judges, securing her spot in the next round of American Idol competition.
KB is going to Hollywood! Watch her memorable audition below.