Grace Leer Hopes To Make Country Fans ‘Proud’ with ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ Performance

American Idol returned on Sunday night (May 3), broadcasting from the homes of the cast and contestants around the country. Live to tape from 25 locations, Sunday night’s episode unveiled the Top 10. Making the most of the situation, producers shipped each contestant equipment and had them perform from home alongside the Idol band. The judges, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, as well as host, Ryan Seacrest, and in-house mentor, Bobby Bones, also appeared from their homes.

One of the 10 contestants who secured a spot in the Top 10 was country hopeful Grace Leer, who performed Judy Garland’s “Over The Rainbow.” The iconic song is one she previously performed in her third grade talent show.

“Wow, that was an unusual… I’ve never heard your voice like that before at all, you went big and it was bold all throughout, it was like you were singing to thousands.” praised Katy Perry.

“You had that sweet spot, that really makes you sound that country voice that we know and love but you just showed America that you had a big, big, big voice, overall love the performance, loved seeing the different side,” Luke Bryan gushed. “Really excited about what you can do and where you’ll wind up.”

“Remember the audience that you’re singing to, if country is your aim and is your goal, is your thing, stay right there and hone in on where we’re trying to go,” Lionel Richie said.

The Top 10 will be narrowed down to the Top 7 come next week. Fans who would like to vote for Grace Leer can vote online or by texting 18 to 21523.

American Idol returns next Sunday (May 10) at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.