Isaiah Moore Delivers Emotional ‘American Idol’ Audition With Luke Combs’ ‘Where The Wild Things Are’

Alabama native, Isaiah Moore, brought some heavy emotions into his American Idol audition when he performed a rendition of Luke Combs’ “Where the Wild Things Are,” which he sang as a tribute to his troubled brother.

Before showcasing his musical talent, the newest member of the show’s judging panel, Carrie Underwood, prompted the 22-year-old to share a bit about his upbringing and his family.

He opened up about being put into the court system when his younger brother, Joseph, was just three months old as a result of their mom’s drug addiction and time in jail. They were about to move into foster care when, “by God’s grace and all his blessings,” Moore’s grandparents took in him and his brother.

“They raised us the best that they could and I’m very thankful to have them today and I’m so glad they’re here with me today.”

Although his childhood was an uphill battle not having his mom always present in his life, the family has overcome great obstacles and for that, he is “happy and joyful” to share that his mom has been clean from drugs and out of rehab for three years. She was even able to attend Moore’s Idol audition alongside his grandparents and his wife.

However, his brother Joseph unfortunately could not make it as he is still battling his own turmoil.  

“The most important people in my life are here today. I missing one person that I wish was here and this song goes out to my brother. He’s been having a hard time the past year, I would say, and I worry about him. I love him,” Moore shared with a deep sadness in his voice. “He was supposed to be here today. I know that he loves me, but I just don’t want him going down the same path that my mom went down and so I’m singing this for him.”

Underwood chimed in with words of sincerity and comfort as she said, “I think your mom has proven that it’s not too late, right? It’s never too late.”

The room fell silent as Underwood, alongside her fellow Idol judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie intently listened to Moore’s delivery. As he strummed his acoustic guitar, a powerful voice emerged among the song that relates so closely to the aspiring artist’s real-life. The Luke Combs tune is sung from the perspective of someone honoring their brother’s free spirit as they open up about getting to hear about their sibling’s adventures out West, where “the wild things are.”

True authenticity shined through Moore’s gritty vocals, causing the judges to exchange impressed looks among each other. They each pointed out Moore’s ability to captivate his audience while taking a story and making it his own.

Underwood first noted that he has “got some power in that voice,” before giving Bryan the chance to share his thoughts.

“I think there’s a story in that voice. That song kind of showcases a lot of parallels in your life and a lot of people’s lives, so I enjoyed it. Good job,” the country star stated.

Richie continued, “I felt the passion. I felt the pain. You are carrying a lot inside, but your blessing is that you can actually deliver it in a vocal is touching. I enjoyed your performance. I thought it was just smoking.” 

The focus returned to the “Out Of That Truck” singer who went on to further boast about the hopeful performer standing in front of her.

“You have a very powerful voice. You were telling the story, you were connecting with us, which is hard to do, but you did it,” she said.

Before giving Isaiah Moore their final decision, Underwood invited him to bring his family into the room. He introduced each member, and gave his mom an especially tight hug knowing all she did to be able to share this moment with him.

“You’re going to make me cry. She put everything that she had in me all those years,” he said, bringing everyone in the room to tears.

Following Bryan’s “yes,” Richie joked, “You got me crying over here. Crying just to say the words “yes” to you.” 

Underwood then offered Moore his third and final “yes” meaning he would be receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood and moving on in the competition.

Moore and his family jumped for joy upon hearing the news.

American Idol is currently running its eighth season on ABC, and 23rd season overall. Fans can tune into the show every Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day.