Entertainment /
Indian-American Sonika Vaid Goes to Hollywood with American Idol
The iconic reality TV talent show American Idol is in its 15th and final season and it continues to generate excitement, hold viewership and potentially find the next big thing in the American music biz.
Even though the season has just started, there already seems to be a front-runner. In the premiere episode, one voice stood out with an almost flawless performance. Twenty-year-old Indian-American Sonika Vaid floored the judges with her rendition of “Look At Me” by previous Idol winner Carrie Underwood. They unanimously handed her a coveted golden ticket to the next round of auditions in Hollywood.
Sonika Vaid auditions in Colorado during the premiere episode of American Idol's final season.
Photo Credit: Screen grab, YouTube.com/AmericanIdol
Hailing from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Vaid is the daughter of Indian immigrants who moved to the United States at a young age. During the back story aired on the show before her performance, she describes them as her biggest support system and says “they started from having nothing. They always lived with the American dream in their minds."
And now it looks like with the encouragement from her family and a little reality TV magic, Vaid might just make those dreams come true.
Sonika Vaid's parents are Indian immigrants who moved to the United Staes as kids.
Photo Credit: Screen grab, YouTube.com/AmericanIdol
After her audition, all three judges were visibly impressed and dished out heaps of praise. Harry Connick Jr. described her as “somebody that I actually think can win this thing." Jennifer Lopez couldn’t hold back her glee as she laughed and said “I love it, I love it a lot!” Clearly overwhelmed, a joyful Vaid was in tears as she was told “You’re going to Hollywood!"
Speculation is rife that audiences have already been introduced to the winner of the final season. Not every hopeful gets a back story video filmed in their hometown with family and that is being considered a big clue to Vaid’s prospects on the show. Even if she doesn’t make it to the final round, she’s made quite an impact already and won the support of the singer she chose to emulate in her audition, Carrie Underwood.
The American Idol success story tweeted “Wow, I might have found a season favourite already! What a beautiful voice…”
Win or lose, Vaid definitely seems to be one to watch in what is already shaping up to be an exciting farewell season.
Watch her impressive audition below and decide for yourself: does she have what it takes to win?
Article Sources: American idol Official Facebook Page, Boston Globe.
Main Image Photo Credit: Screen grab, YouTube.com/AmericanIdol
Dilshad Burman
Author
Dilshad Burman is an award winning TV host and Canadian media personality. Born in Mumbai, India, she was surrounded by its creative energy and grew up with a passion for music, film and television. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from The University of Mumbai, she i...
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