Laine Hardy has undoubtedly been a frontrunner during the second comeback season of American Idol. The talented Louisiana native first auditioned for the show in 2018 and earned a ticket to Hollywood, but was ultimately eliminated before the Top 50 were chosen.
Hardy surprised the judges when he appeared during an audition to play guitar for his friend Ashton Gill. But, the fateful meeting ended up being Laine’s chance at Idol redemption. After Ashton performed (and earned a Golden Ticket), the judges encouraged Laine to throw his hat back into the Idol ring. Hardy hesitantly performed “The Weight” by The Band, and the judges offered him a Golden Ticket.
https://youtu.be/UfFfHe5LQoA?t=235
After some consideration, Laine accepted. The decision has paid off in a big way for Laine Hardy who has found himself one of three finalists competing for the coveted Idol title Sunday night. Throughout the season, Hardy has covered everything from the Beatles to Elton John to Johnny Cash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkRWNZO7n0k
During Sunday night’s season finale, Hardy paid tribute to his Louisiana roots with a rocking performance of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Jambalaya.” The judges praised his performance, and Hardy’s fans agreed.
AWESOME tribute to your hometown with that badass cover of #HankWilliams's "Jambalaya (On The Bayou) @TheLaineHardy!! @AmericanIdol #AmericanIdol #AmericanIdolFinale #ParttyWithAHardy
— John G (@JohnG500) May 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/Lifeindastarz/status/1130273002287976448
https://twitter.com/sdbodily/status/1130272961099730944
Check out Laine Hardy singing Hank Williams Jr.’s “Jambalaya” in the video below and let us know if you think he should take home the American Idol title!