Lucas Leon Delivers Goosebump-Inducing Performance of Miranda Lambert Cover on ‘American Idol’

Under the bright lights and blue skies of Hawaii, Lucas Leon calmly braced himself for a performance that could get him one step close to achieving his dreams of becoming the next American Idol.

This week, the Top 30 contestants of Season 24 brought their talent to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, hoping for the chance to earn a spot in the Top 20. For this week, dubbed the Ohana round, Leon took the stage to perform a powerful rendition of the Miranda Lambert classic, “The House That Built Me.”

He wasn’t just singing for the judges’ approval tonight. His parents, fellow Idol contestants, and a panel of industry experts were also watching closely as each group collectively got to vote on who would earn a coveted platinum ticket at the end of the episode. He had to pour his heart into the performance and make every moment count, and it’s safe to say he did just that.

“Performing for all these people that can really make a difference in my life. It’s pretty nerve-wracking,” he admitted before taking the stage.

The 18-year-old told the crowd that he chose this song as a tribute to his parents who were got a front row seat to tonight’s performance. Emotions began to run high in the audience as soon as Leon let his voice fill the speakers of the open-air setting.

 “My parents are here tonight and they’re who really built me,” he stated. “This one goes out to my family.”

Strumming his guitar against the stunning backdrop, he immediately drew the audience in with his soft, raspy vocals. From the very first note, listeners were captivated, with one admitting to getting goosebumps as he poured heart and soul into the already emotional track.

The industry professionals couldn’t help but take notice, praising him as “a true vocalist.” By the end of the performance, the Tennessee native earned a proud thumbs-up from his mom and some high praise from Carrie Underwood on the judging panel.

“I mean, you’re so in control of your instrument. It’s kind of mind blowing,” the superstar told him. “And you have a really beautiful, just soft, sweet spot in your voice that I feel like just draws everybody in. So I would love to hear more of that.”

Y’all Access host and “country music aficionado,” Kelly Sutton, who was chosen as a member of the industry expert group, had tears in her eyes as she shared her thoughts on the heartfelt delivery Leon had just given them.

“That song it’s just, it’s such a sweet song and it means so much. And yeah, it was beautiful. The parents are here hearing it. This is really special,” she said.  

When the results were revealed at the end of the episode, Lucas Leon learned that he unfortunately did not each one of the three elite platinum tickets. However, things ended on a high note for him as his name was called to join the Top 20.

This means that Leon will join his fellow contestants next week in performing in Hawaii once again, this time guided by mentors Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer.

American Idol continues with new episodes Monday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and on streaming the following day on Hulu.