18-Year-Old Lucas Leon Covers Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” During Idol’s “‘Ohana Round”
American Idol hopeful Lucas Leon aimed for a spot in the Top 20 with his cover of Miranda Lambert‘s “The House That Built Me.” Did he succeed?
After advancing through Hollywood Week, Leon and 29 other Idol contestants flew to Hawaii for the next phase of the competition. They performed at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
Idol introduced a new phase of the competition this season called The ‘Ohana Round. During this phase, the Top 30 contestants sang for three focus groups. One consisted of their fellow contestants, another was formed by “industry tastemakers,” and the last compromised the contestants’ family members.
Each focus group could award one Platinum Ticket to a contestant. Those with Platinum Tickets automatically advanced into the Top 20. The judges (Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie), selected the remaining contestants to round out the group.
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With a lot on the line, Lucas Leon poured his heart and soul into his cover of “The House That Built Me.” His performance was dynamic, with his voice reaching a near-whisper at times and then exploding with power at others.
His parents watched proudly in the audience. It was obvious that they, and everyone else in the crowd, were left awestruck by his performance. Industry tastemaker Anthony Gargiula said he got goosebumps and chills after listening to Leon sing.
Did Lucas Leon Advance Into Idol‘s Top 20?
18-year-old Leon’s ‘Ohana Round performance earned a standing ovation from the entire audience. He also received some lofty praise from judge Carrie Underwood, who said:
“You’re so in control of your instrument, it’s kind of mind-blowing. And you have a really beautiful—just soft—sweet spot in your voice that I feel like just draws everybody in.“
Underwood told Leon that if he advanced in the competition, she would love to hear more of that “sweet spot” in his voice.
So that begs the question, did he make it into the Top 20? The answer is…yes!
Although Leon did not earn one of the three Platinum Tickets, the judges named him one of the Top 20 contestants. So you’ll get the chance to see him sing again soon!
Head here to learn the names of the other contestants who made it into the Top 20 this season. Plus, catch Lucas Leon’s cover of “The House That Built Me” in the video below.
