Danica Steakley tried her hand at a ticket to Hollywood during the season premiere of American Idol, performing the Hank Williams song, “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You).”
Steakley was accompanied by her father who showcased his enthusiasm for his daughter’s shot at winning American Idol. Unfortunately, her vocals fell short for two out of the three judges.
Katy Perry told Steakley she was “very talented,” however cited her “lack of experience” and “timidness” as her hesitations for advancing her in the competition. Ultimately, Perry decided to give Steakley a greenlight to go to Hollywood.
“I think you have a fantastic high-end, but holding on to the lows get lost and fad out a little bit,” Lionel Richie told her, adding, “You got the goods. I just think it’s timing and a little bit of experience.”
Luke Bryan was the first to give a hard no for Steakey, telling her, “You have all the makings to grow into a really, really great singer. The best thing for you is to get out there and gig and play.”
“My gut tells me that you’re not quite ready,” he added.
“I agree with Luke,” Richie confessed.
Steakley handled the situation well.
“I’m disappointed, but as a singer, you have to take criticism well and I understand that,” she said.
Her father, on the other hand, stormed out of the room and told cameras, “I don’t even know any Luke Bryan songs. Who’s he? Next time we’ll have her audition on ‘The Voice!’”
Bryan hilariously replied to the diss on Twitter, writing, “Welp, hopefully, @DanicaSteakley’s Dad knows your songs @blakeshelton haha!”
In-house mentor Bobby Bones also reacted to the situation on Twitter.
“Dad was not happy! But @DanicaSteakley took the feedback like a champ,” Bones shared.
Click above to watch Danica Steakley’s audition.
