American Idol returns for season 21 with a special Auditions episode airing Sunday, March 12 on ABC immediately following the Oscars. Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan traveled to Las Vegas, New Orleans and Nashville to find talented singers hoping to advance to Hollywood Week.
This Auditions 3a episode—branded Late Night Idol—features a wide range of performers, from soulful and pop-leaning vocalists to metal frontwomen and musical-theater crooners. Below are the contestants scheduled to appear and what we know about them heading into their auditions.
*Contestant research by Blake Busch
Amara Valerio
Amara Valerio is a soulful pop singer from Yonkers, New York, and a student at Cornell University studying American Studies. She sings with Nothing But Treble, Cornell’s all-women a cappella group, where she frequently performs as a featured soloist. Amara has won several local competitions, including Yonkers Idol Junior (2014) and Columbia’s Got Talent (2018, teen division). ABC recently previewed her audition, which includes a story about being interrupted during a school assembly. Her blend of soul and pop makes her a memorable contender for Hollywood Week.
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“Who’s Lovin’ You” with Nothing But Treble
Cay Aliese
Cay Aliese is a Tennessee-based graphic designer, mother of two, and a Christian/soul singer-songwriter. Her catalog includes several tracks on streaming platforms, highlighted by the powerful ballad “Polish All The Pieces.” She also participates in worship ministry with The Deep Worship, performing at conferences and leading events. Cay’s vocal delivery leans emotional and heartfelt—qualities that often resonate with Idol judges and viewers alike.
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“Polish All The Pieces” Live
Colt Glover
Colt Glover is a country singer and student at Oklahoma State University. For his audition he’s joined by friend Jevyn Lester on guitar. Colt’s country roots and collegiate background give him an authentic stage presence suited to country and Americana material.
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“Wasting All These Tears” Cover
Dany Epp
Dany Epp grew up in Suffern, New York, and now lives in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. She’s built a strong social media following—over 200,000 TikTok followers—thanks to covers that showcase her raspy, emotive tone. Dany tends to choose pop ballads that highlight her distinctive voice and interpretive phrasing.
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“Elastic Heart” Cover
Hannah Nicolaisen
Hannah Nicolaisen is a singer-songwriter based in Montgomery, Alabama. A former Division II volleyball player at the University of Illinois Springfield, she holds a degree in Exercise Science and has shifted focus to pursue music full time. Her sound mixes laid-back folk influences with a soulful touch, and she regularly performs live around her region.
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“Guillotine” Original
Rach Lux Karma
Rach Lux Karma fronts Never Mourn (styled NEVERMØU??), a metal band whose recorded material includes the track “Release the Demons.” She brings a heavy, screamo-influenced style to her performances—an intense and technically demanding approach that stands out among Idol hopefuls. Whether that genre lands with the judges in this format remains to be seen, but Rach clearly delivers passion and stage presence.
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Live Performance
Reette Thorns (She/They)
Reette Thorns is from Madison, Wisconsin, and studies at Grand Valley State University where they compete on the Track and Field team in shot put. Though they don’t have an extensive recorded catalog, Reette has been performing since childhood, with footage showing early talent in school talent shows. Their audition could reveal a unique vocal identity and lived experience that connects with audiences.
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Idol Update and Original
Savanna Christian Gainey
Savanna Christian Gainey hails from Florence, South Carolina, and graduated from Francis Marion University with a degree in Elementary Education. While her online footprint is limited—only a couple of older clips featuring Christian Contemporary performances—those glimpses suggest a singer rooted in faith-based music. Viewers will likely learn more about her range and style during the broadcast.
Tripp Taylor
Tripp Taylor is a 19-year-old performer with a vintage crooner vibe who studies musical theater at Carnegie Mellon University. He built a substantial TikTok following—hundreds of thousands of followers—after his retro “Hit The Road Jack” cover racked up millions of views. Tripp pairs a crooning delivery with a raspy edge, and his theatrical training gives him strong stagecraft for televised auditions.
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“Hit The Road Jack”
Meet more contestants
If you want additional background on season 21 hopefuls, refer to comprehensive season guides and contestant roundups that profile the Top 55 and other notable singers. These resources provide videos, photos and updates on returning competitors from shows like The Voice and AGT, plus early spoilers for the Top 26 and showcase rounds.
American Idol 2023 Season 21 spoilers are circulating online. If you follow spoiler conversations, please keep discussions contained to spoiler threads to respect viewers who prefer surprises.
American Idol 2023 Spoilers: Top 26 Season 21 Contestant List
American Idol 2023 Spoilers: Showcase Round Contestant and Song List
American Idol 2023 Spoilers: Top 26 Celebrity Mentors and Song Picks
The Auditions 3a episode is scheduled to air at approximately 11:35 p.m.–12:35 a.m. EST (with corresponding times in MST and PST). Because it follows the Oscars, the start time may shift, so check local listings. Tune in to see which of these singers will earn praise from Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan—and who will move on to Hollywood Week.