Former Big Island resident Liahona Olayan impressed “American Idol” judges after performing a solo and duet on Monday night’s show.
Olayan covered Audrey Mika’s “Just Friends” along with her own choreography, which included a karate kick to end the song.
Olayan, one of 24 contestants remaining on the show, then performed a duet with Grammy-winning musician PJ Morton for his song “Say So.”
After the performances, judge Luke Bryan applauded Olayan’s voice and noted that she is ready to be on the radio.
“You are so talented,” Bryan said. “Every time I hear your voice, I’m, like, radio-ready — put it on the radio!”
Fellow judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry agreed with Bryan and praised Olayan’s multifaceted talent.
“Your phrases, your note placement, your interaction and the fact that you are pulling it all together with a karate kick at the end,” Richie said. “I just think you are on your way to something huge.”
“Not only are you radio-ready, you’re the choreographer, singer and songwriter,” Perry said.
Overnight voting began after each episode Sunday and Monday and is now closed. Four people will be eliminated from each of the two groups of 12 performers.
The top 16 results will be revealed during the episode airing Sunday, April 11.
