Not even a month into season 23 of American Idol, and the show is already producing one of the most memorable seasons in recent years. As Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood traveled the country, looking for the next American Idol, the judges met stars like worship pastor, Isaiah Moore. With the season just getting started, the pool of contestants continued to add powerful performers. And when connecting his life story with his cover of “Where the Wild Things Are” by Luke Combs, Moore ended up making the judges cry.
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Introduced to Moore, the judges quickly felt a connection with the singer. Although knowing contestants go to extraordinary lengths to audition, Moore took it to the next level when he decided to cancel his honeymoon to perform for the judges. Having been married for seven days, Moore knew how important the moment was to his career. With his supportive wife by his side, he jumped into “Where the Wild Things Are.”
Gaining feedback from the judges, Bryan started off, by saying, “I think there’s a story in that voice. That song kind of showcases a lot of parallels in your life and a lot of people’s lives, so I enjoyed it. Good job.”
With Underwood explaining how important it was for him to connect with the audience, Richie added, “I felt the passion. I felt the pain. You’re carrying a lot inside, but your blessing is that you can actually deliver it in a vocal that’s touching. I enjoyed your performance. I thought it was just smoking.”
Isaiah Moore’s Long Road To ‘American Idol’
While gaining three “yes” votes from the judges, Moore found his life taking a drastic turn from where he started. Explaining his journey to American Idol, the contestant revealed his struggles growing up. “I have two brothers, but one of them live with me. When he was three months old, me and him were put into the court system, and we were about to go into foster care.”
Revealing how his mother fought with a drug addiction, Moore found love with his grandparents. “My mother was deep into drugs. She was in and out of jail a few times throughout my life, but by God’s grace and all his blessings, my maw-maw, my paw-paw took us in. Man. They raised us the best that they could, and I’m very thankful to have them today, and I’m so glad they’re here with me.”
While not able to change the past, Moore shared some good news about his relationship with his mother. “I can say today with a happy and joyful smile that she is free from drugs and rehab for three years.”
Making an impact on American Idol, don’t miss a new episode, airing on Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
