“American Idol” alum convinces college student to skip class for audition: 'Most unexpected thing to ever happen to me!'

Raechal ShewfeltTue, February 10, 2026 at 3:00 AM UTC

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Jackie Bluebird on 'American Idol'

Disney/Eric McCandless

It's not that American Idol alum Melinda Doolittle was trying to keep people from going to class. But the mere presence of the singer, who won third place in 2007's season 6, was enough to convince student Jackie Bluebird to do it.

Doolittle and host Ryan Seacrest were roaming the campus of Doolittle's alma mater, Belmont University, where auditions for the current season are underway, when they encountered Bluebird and asked if she wanted to sing for them. Anyone who survived the informal audition went on to meet judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.

Bluebird, a 19-year-old from Orange County, Calif., was very into it and launched into a rendition of the late Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good," and her tiny audience approved.

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Soon, she was crooning for the official judging panel.

"Just listening to you sing," Underwood said, "I feel like you can get some more air underneath those higher notes. And, maybe, should you get the chance, surprise us next time with like a big vocal song."

Bryan was leaning toward giving her a ticket to the next round of the competition.

"I loved your vibe," he said. "I do worry about the bigness of your voice, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to roll the dice on you."

Richie agreed.

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"Ditto. I am just rolling the dice," he said. "It's a yes from me."

Bluebird earned three yeses in all, so she'll continue on.

Richie told her, "Your enthusiasm paid off."

After the contestant left the room, Underwood told Richie and Bryan that she believes Bluebird can "give some more horsepower."

For the contestant herself, the day had taken an unexpected turn, the result being that she would be appearing on national TV.

"This is the most unexpected thing to ever happen to me!" Bluebird said.

'American Idol' stars Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan

Disney/Eric McCandless

Next week is the final round of auditions on the series, before the contestants who've made it this far compete in the tradition of Hollywood Week, which will also be held in Nashville, which is known as "Music City."

It's no wonder that Doolittle brought in a strong contestant. Since Idol, she has released multiple albums and performed at venues including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Carnegie Hall.

American Idol airs at 8 p.m. Mondays on ABC and is available the following day on Hulu.

on Entertainment Weekly

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