Ronda Felton sang her heart away in front of the American Idol judges.
This was her way of coping with life. Her backstory moved her to tears when the judges asked her to share a little bit about herself. She only had her mom and they had to deal with homelessness, being broke, sleeping on couches and in cars, and constantly moving.
Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie were visibly moved hearing Ronda’s life story.
Felton is nineteen. She’s originally from Milwaukee but lives in Arizona. Ronda’s had quite a journey and she’s only getting started. It was music that helped her and her mom deal with life. Their favorite song together is “Zoom” by The Commodores.
“I feel so blessed to be here with all of you. It means the world to me.”
Felton exclaimed ahead of her performance as Lionel handed her his black handkerchief.
Her song of choice is “One Night Only” from Dream Girls. The nineteen year old Ronda unleashed her vocal abilities to a single piano. Standing on that Idol logo, she knew this was her opportunity. And wow did she sing.
Ronda’s singing was so heartfelt, Lionel was wiping tears from his eyes.
Elijah Allen commented,
“I went to school with Ronda, I’ve seen her sing live, she deserves this.”
Let’s take his word for it.
There’s a visible silence in the room, not just because of Ronda’s singing, but brought about by her life story. There was a sense of respect and awe from the judges as Ronda sang her heart out.
Lionel spoke first after her audition,
“I was doing really well until you came in and did something that no one has done tonight, which is touch me to the point of making me cry,”
he said.
“Every once and a while, life happens and then you figure, how do I get out of this situation? And God provides a crack in the wall. Just a crack, because every other crack has been there forever. But that crack is just enough for you to get through. And my dear, you just found that crack. Because that was the moment that will change your life.”
And then Katy chimed in,
“You don’t have to be strong. You just gotta’ be Ronda. And that will take you all the way.”
Luke had this to say,
“That was a great performance, but I have a big old feeling it’s not your best performance to come.”
Ronda got all three to say YES.
She was so happy that she ran out to grab her mom. Ronda and mom stood in front of the judges and how did they celebrate? With a song. Their favorite song! Even Lionel and the other judges joined in the singing!
Ronda is living proof that no matter the circumstances, there is always hope. Life offers chances and it’s up to us to see them and grab the opportunity. She’s going to Hollywood!
Listen to Ronda’s incredible audition below!
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