Jacy And Mia Matthews Of Worth The Wait Deliver Emotional ‘American Idol’ Auditions As Solo Artists

Aspiring singer/songwriters and sisters Jacy and Mia Matthews previously competed on Season 19 of The Voice as part of the Worth The Wait trio, which also featured their mother, Tara Matthews, as the third member. Now, Jacy, 17, and Mia, 18, have chosen to highlight their individual talents by auditioning separately for Season 7 of American Idol.

The Sisters Have Always Dreamed Of Auditioning For Idol

Before heading into the audition room, the Centre, AL natives admitted that auditioning for Idol has been a goal on their bucket list since they were very young. The clip even included photos from back in the day when the girls sported American Idol t-shirts and created their own set of pretend auditions.

“We’re here now, it’s actually happening,” Mia shared with excitement.

They went on to explain that musical talent runs deep in their roots as their mom was a “childhood country performer” and their dad was a “hard-rocker.” After losing their father at a very young age, music served as a method of healing for all three women, thus leading to the formation of their band, Worth The Wait. 

While waiting for their names to be called, the sisters shared a tear-filled moment with their mom, who was filled with pride seeing her daughters take a leap of faith and step out on their own this time around.

“This is your chance to show the world what you’re made of, because I already know,” said their mom, Tara.

The Audition Turns Emotional

Jacy was first to stand before the judges as she sang a stunning rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night” while her sister played the guitar beside her. Then, before the judges could share their remarks, it was Mia’s turn to put her skills on display with a soulful delivery of Sara Evans’ “No Place That Far.”

It didn’t take long for Idol judge Katy Perry to catch wind of how in tune these trio of women are with their emotions, which in her eyes is a very important quality to have when it comes to building a successful music career. 

“You guys are very in your feelings. I love it. I know it means a lot to you. You can feel that. That’s good. That means you’re going to fight for it,” Perry said.

Luke Bryan then expressed some hesitation as he said, “Amazingly enough, you guys approach singing very similarly. We kind of can judge one of you and we’re judging the other. Right now, for me, it seems a little quiet and timid and I’d like for there to be more of a step out there and have the presence going there…You guys are 17 and 18, so I don’t know if it’s time for y’all to get into this mix of voices yet.”

“This audition is a big deal for both of us because we get to figure out our future paths, if it’s together or separate. It’s like walking into the unknown,” Jacy shared later. 

Judges Offer Constructive Criticism

When it came time to judge the female artists separately, Bryan was quick to make his decision about Jacy. 

“I think it’s not quite all the way there yet. I’m a no for right now,” he said.

 Perry and her fellow judge Lionel Richie agreed with Bryan that Jacy may have been holding back on her vocals a bit, however it seems they still saw potential in her, leading them to both send her away with a “yes.”

“Jacy, when you came and gave us that cry in your voice and the pain, it really made it exciting to listen to. I’m not looking for the perfect song. I’m looking for the flaws, if you will. And so Jacy, it’s a yes for me,” Richie announced.

Perry followed with her thoughts, saying, “It was just so angelic and beautiful and pure. And then the other word that is synonymous with the delivery is timid. I need you to really just put it in there. Give it that grit. You may only get one last opportunity to come out blazing. It’s a yes from me.”

Mia Was Seen As Being “Stronger Vocally”

Next, it was Mia’s turn to hear the judge’s thoughts.

The “Country On” singer slightly changed his tune for Mia, who he thought was “stronger vocally” and agreed to send her on to the next round.

“I just would’ve wanted a little more grit and dirt on it. But I’ll give you a shot. I’m a yes.”

This time, Richie was the one feeling unsure. He explained he spent the first half of her performance trying to seek out who she is as an artist, and while he saw a spark of something, it wasn’t enough to send her forward.

Perry chimed in saying “I respectfully disagree,” before adding that out of both sisters, she felt more of a draw to Mia.

“You play guitar, you present as an artist, you gave a little bit more volume. You both need to cut this timid thing. You’re about to go into the lion’s dead…It’s a yes for me.”

With each sisters receiving two “yes’” and one “no” from the panel of judges, the Matthews sisters are officially heading to Hollywood and continuing on in the Season 7 competition. 

Despite embarking on their new solo ventures on Idol, Jacy And Mia previously assured fans that the Worth The Wait trio is “still together and going strong.”

Watch their journey unfold on new episodes of American Idol airing Sundays at 8/7c on ABC.