Mia Matthews Shines Bright With Unforgettable Cover Of Lainey Wilson’s ‘Wildflowers And Wild Horses’ On ‘American Idol’

On Sunday night’s episode of American Idol, Top 20 contestant Mia Matthews ignited the stage with her rendition of Lainey Wilson’s empowering single, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”

Matthews proudly followed in the Louisiana native’s footsteps as she showcased her impressive vocal range and hit every note with confidence amid the cool-toned background. Her long lavender-colored dress and purple ombre guitar matched the setting with ease and highlighted her determination in the competition. 

Katy Perry Boasts About Mia’s Newfound Confidence

After delivering the resilient tune centered around Wilson’s journey of paving her way to success from her upbringing as a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter, it was time for Idol judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie to share their feedback. 

“Well, not to sound corny, but I think you found your roar,” Perry said in reference to her powerful single, “Roar.” “The way that you looked at the camera and looked straight in our eyes, you’ve got a lot less fear and that’s what’s going to take you all the way to the top.”

As she revealed during her audition, the Alabama native has spent years performing as part of the trio, Worth The Wait, with her mom, Tara Matthews and sister, Jacy Matthews, but joining the Idol family has given Mia the chance to explore her artistry solo. 

“This is just the beginning of my journey and I just can’t wait to see where it takes me,” she shared prior to her most recent performance. 

Luke Bryan Celebrates The Song Choice

When it was Bryan’s turn, he agreed with Perry and noted how the aspiring female songstress has really started to come out of her shell thanks to her time on the show and getting the opportunity to embark on a new and unfamiliar journey without her family members by her side.

“To take you from someone who is in a trio, that even in your audition, you were really, really subtle with everything…and even just then I wanted to see some hair flying and the guitar get tossed or something like that,” the country star joked. “So think about that too, as you get more comfortable in being the one and only person out there making this thing happen. But a great performance. You sounded great and great song choice.”

Lionel Richie Says He Is “Really Proud”

Richie added to the rave reviews for Matthews when he began with, “Listen, all I’m saying is way to go Alabama.”

He then went on to build on the positive feedback of his fellow Idol judges, and in doing so, expressed how proud he is of the progress she has made on stage in the short period of time. 

“All I saw on stage was more confidence. You actually look more comfortable; you are feeling yourself on stage. It’s actually wonderful to watch because you are growing to the point now where it looks like some serious artist action about to happen here. Really proud of you. Really proud. Congratulations.”

Tonight, April 15, American Idol will host the first live show of the season. Fans can tune into ABC at 8 PM ET/PT to see of Mia Matthews will continue on into the Top 14.