PRATTVILLE, Ala. (WSFA) – A Prattville native is getting her moment in the spotlight this season on ABC’s “American Idol.”
Lainey Grace auditioned for the show last June with little expectation of advancing past the initial producer rounds. Four months later, in October, she received life-changing news: she would perform in front of the show’s judging panel of Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
While Grace didn’t receive the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood, the experience has proven invaluable in launching her music career.
One of the most memorable moments of Grace’s audition came when she met the artist behind the song she performed: singer-songwriter Kyndal Inskeep, who wrote the original track.
“It was such an amazing moment. I was really shocked. I didn’t know that it was going to happen,” Lainey Grace said of the surprise meeting. “Just being able to sing it with her was a really special moment and a really close moment.”
That connection has led to tangible opportunities. Grace is now working with Inskeep on future performances and collaborations, expanding her network within the music industry.
“I’m going to be singing in shows with her, which we’ve kind of started working out, and I’m going to be able to get plugged in through her,” Grace said.
Though she didn’t advance on “American Idol,” Grace emphasized that the experience has opened numerous professional doors and helped her build meaningful relationships within the music industry; opportunities that may prove more valuable than a competition win.
Viewers can catch Lainey Grace’s “American Idol” performance on the current season, which streams on Hulu and Disney+.
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