Nashville Student Tristan McIntosh Impresses Judges At ‘American Idol’ Auditions

Tristan McIntosh. Photo: americanidol.com

One of the highlights from Thursday night’s (Jan. 7) American Idol auditions came courtesy of a talented Nashville teenager. Tristan McIntosh, a 10th grader at Nashville School of the Arts, impressed the judges with her earnest, soulful rendition of Mickey Guyton’s “Why Baby Why,” accompanying herself on piano (McIntosh also plays guitar). The audition became emotional after Idol judge Harry Connick Jr. read an email from McIntosh’s mother, who has been stationed overseas in the military.

McIntosh expressed how she missed her mother, who then appeared from behind a curtain to surprise her daughter. The judges praised McIntosh’s voice and artistry, and let her mother do the honors of inviting the teen to the Hollywood audition rounds.

The video has garnered more than 21 million views on American Idol‘s official Facebook page.

Guyton also offered her support for McIntosh via a Facebook post, sharing, “TRISTAN!  amazing to hear you sing #WhyBabyWhy on American Idol & be reunited with your mom!! You’re amazing, my love ❤ #IdolPremiere”

Watch the emotional audition below.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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