Olivia Soli Sings Lionel Richie’s Song In Front Of Him On American Idol - Audition Videos

Auditioning in front of three music superstars on national television would be nerve-wracking enough, but one young woman raised the stakes significantly.

Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have produced dozens of hit songs. Their songs are widely known and beloved by many. Anytime someone covers one of their hits, it will always be measured up against the original. However, Olivia Soli, knowing all of this, decided to audition with and perform one of Lionel’s classic songs right in front of him!

At the beginning of the clip, the 20-year-old announces that she is going to play the piano and sing “Hello” by the one and only Lionel Richie.

Katy immediately informs the young woman that's certainly a tall task. 

“Big shoes, Olivia,” Katy said. 

Soon after the young lady begins playing, Lionel and Katy appear impressed.

“She’s coming for your job,” Katy tells Lionel. 

He responds with a baseball-bat-swinging motion as if to indicate the young woman is knocking it out of the park. Lionel is correct; Olivia sings a beautiful rendition of the 1980s hit. She takes the song and makes it her own, taking and changing some of the notes to fit her voice.

Lionel is overjoyed and thoroughly impressed with the young woman. He approaches and gives her a warm embrace following the conclusion of her performance.

“I know who you are now as an artist,” Lionel said. “And yes, it’s my song. Yes, I wrote it. Yes, I sang it but it’s your song. Best so far in this audition, congratulations.”

Luke also showered the woman in praise, calling her singing “tremendous” and “one of the best” auditions he has seen. Katy was also in love with Olivia’s performance.

It came as no surprise that Olivia managed to get all yeses from Lionel, Katy and Luke. Olivia is on her way to Hollywood!

Psalm 47:6 “Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises to our King, sing praises.”