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"American Idol" judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry couldn't believe their ears when a 19-year-old woman from Vietnam delivered a powerful rendition of Jennifer Hudson's "One Night Only," bringing all three judges to their feet as she hit the final note on Sunday's series premiere.
Bryan giggled with joy while Richie stood up and shouted, "Wow!" Contestant Myra Tran quickly became teary-eyed and covered her face.
"Oh my God," said Tran as she turned to face the panel of judges, explaining that she currently sings in a high school choir.
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"You're in a choir?" a surprised Perry asked. "No, you are the choir," Richie corrected.
According to Bustle, Tran won "The X Factor Vietnam" in 2016 at the age of 16. But Tran, who has been living in the U.S. for about a year, said it's always been her dream to sing in front of the "American Idol" audience.
"I mean, you're up there with the Kelly Clarksons of the world ... that's the only way I can say it."
"I mean, you're up there with the Kelly Clarksons of the world ... that's the only way I can say it," Bryan commented, referring to the singer-songwriter who shot to fame after winning the first singing competition back in 2002.
"Absolutely," Richie agreed.
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Perry encouraged Tran to "keep singing" so she could continue to connect people.
"I feel like music transcends language barriers, and you just showed us that," Perry added.
Richie later clarified that Tran is in her own zone.
"You are going places," he added, before all three judges collectively assured Tran she's moving onto the next round in Hollywood.
Social media users agreed with the judges — Tran could, in fact, be the next Clarkson.
"My namesake Myra Tran on American Idol might be the next Kelly Clarkson," a Twitter user named Myra commented.
"She made it first round, don’t know how far she can go but I’m proud!!!" another added.
"This caught me off guard.This lil lady can sang!" a fan exclaimed.
"She just blew the entire planet away!! Go! Team @MyraMinhNhu," a fourth user agreed.
In an early Instagram post on Monday, Tran thanked fans for showing their support.
"Finally 🙏🙏 I’m so grateful.. Have no words left to say... Love you all. And I promise that I will try all my best. Thanks for supporting me," the singer wrote, garnering 685 likes as of Monday morning.
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