High Schooler Mattie Pruitt Wins Over ‘American Idol’ Judges With Powerful Performance Accompanied By Craig Campbell

At just 15 years old, Mattie Pruitt proved that she’s destined for stardom. For her Season eight American Idol audition, she brought along a special guest—country singer and longtime friend of Luke Bryan’s, Craig Campbell—to help showcase her incredible talent.

Outside the audition room, Campbell told the show’s host, Ryan Seacrest that his relationship with Bryan goes way back as he used to play piano for the country star before he got his record deal.

Bryan immediately recognized his fellow singer/songwriter whom Pruitt invited to play piano for her. He recalled a special memory of being hospital when their children were being born just six days apart.

“You brought a friendly old friend in here to me,” he said looking over to Campbell.

After enjoying a brief reunion, it was time for the high school student to show why Campbell believes she has an “exciting future ahead of her.”

As soon as she opened her mouth with a cover of “How Could You” by Jessie Murph, Pruitt had the Idol judges in awe. They hung onto every note she sung, as an unbelievable sound erupted from the soulful delivery, backed by the soothing tones of Campbell’s piano playing.

“I could just lie here, say it’s okay/ When I wanna rip all the doors off this place/ Set it on fire, and just walk away/ So I can feel anything else but this weight/ ‘Cause I let you in when I needed space/ And you crossed a line when I pushed you away/ How could you?” she sang on the chorus, showcasing nothing short of raw, natural talent.

Lionel Richie was first to speak on the delivery, but he was so blown away that all he could say was “Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.” Eventually, he found the words to express just how impressed he was.

“You have that little raspy thing that happens every so often. I loved every minute of it. Outstanding,” he told the contestant.

Carrie Underwood commented on the fact that while she’s still a teen, Pruitt’s voice hold a “really cool” “maturity” that is “a bit beyond your years.”

“You have a really nice range,” she noted. “You seem super reserved and super shy. And then I’m like, you’re 15, but I am super impressed.”

Pruitt explained that she doesn’t perform in front of audiences very often, except for her small gigs at Cragi Campbell’s coffee shop, Grindstone Cowboy, located in Eagleville, TN.

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“She sold it out twice,” Campbell said proudly.

Knowing what the response would be, Bryan allowed Campbell to vote “yes” for him. Richie is so confident in the young girl’s talent that he did the same.

“Now you know what? I’ve only met him this one time, but I’m willing to put my vote in Craig’s hands as well. What do you think?” he asked. Campbell responded, “I think you need to go on and get that ticket.”

Underwood shared the same enthusiasm as her fellow Idol judges. She not only gave Pruitt a “yes,” but she also predicted her musical fate.

“I mean, the question isn’t, are you going to be a successful country artist? The question is, are we going to be a part of it? And the answer is yes,” she said.

Mattie Pruitt ended her audition on a high note as she collected her golden ticket and thanked each of the judges.

American Idol fans can watch Pruitt’s journey in the competition evolve in just a few weeks, but first, there’s one more round of auditions that will take place next Sunday, March 30 on ABC.