American Idol last month featured Julia Gagnon, who had a remarkable backstory: she had met her birth mother and wanted to make her proud by singing on the show. It takes a strong lady to attempt to compete with Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, and the 21-year-old went all out by performing “Ain’t No Way” by Franklin. Fortunately, Gagnon was a total knockout; her emotive and soulful voice astounded the judges.
Despite the song’s lyrics being about a love relationship, the idea of seeking a true connection resonated with Gagnon’s quest to locate her biological mother, making “Ain’t No Way” a fitting selection. The judges exchanged knowing glances as the college student dove into the soul classic, her performance complemented by a solo piano arrangement that brought out her honesty.
Judge Lionel Richie exclaimed, “oh my God!” when Gagnon built the song to a triumphant high note, demonstrating his mastery of the task. His vocals started off scratchy and low-key. When asked about it, Luke Bryan said, “When you hit the amazing falsetto and then you turned the volume down to a beautiful…”
I loved that, Katy Perry exclaimed as she sank to the floor. There are multiple soul singers within you, and they might all contribute to your success. Perhaps you’ll finish in the top ten. Continuing his gushing, Richie mentioned that the little vocalist had grown up with Aretha Franklin. He went on to say, “You just can’t touch the original,” which is why he doesn’t sing certain songs. “And you did things that are just beyond; you made it your song.” She sang “I Believe” by Fantasia later in the season.
Not only that, but the judges were astounded; in the end, all three of them voted to send the gifted girl on her way to Hollywood. Nevertheless, Gagnon’s emotional roller coaster that day did not finish there. Following additional discussion, the judges decided to grant Gagnon the opportunity to bypass the Idol Arena stage by upgrading her ticket to the final platinum ticket of the season.
