“Boy, that was amazing! You going to go places, son,” Richie said, praising Crews Wright’s cover of George Strait’s “Fireman.”
Crews Wright, Luke Bryan; Photo Provided by American Idol / ABC
Crews Wright, a 17-year-old high school student, had the opportunity of a lifetime when he performed a duet of a George Strait hit with Luke Bryan during the season premiere of American Idol on Sunday, March 9. The Samson, Alabama teenager allowed his country roots to shine with an epic cover of an iconic Strait hit.
17-Year-Old Crews Wright Auditions For American Idol
Before his audition, Wright shared that he’s “never been scared” to perform, but confessed he felt nervous for his Idol audition, knowing he would be singing “in front of three huge names,” which he said is “crazy to think about.”
“I’ve been singing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper,” Wright continued. Idol host Ryan Seacrest asked Wright, “well, you’re 17, you’re studying, what do you want to do?” Crews Wright quickly answered with his huge personality, “I want to be a country music star, come on!”
Crews Wright then made his way into the audition room, where he was greeted by Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, who requested that he introduce himself.
“I am Crews Wright. I was born and raised in Samson, Alabama, better known as ‘Snuff City,’” Wright said. Luke Bryan questioned what he does back in his hometown, to which Wright answered with puns, using each of the judges songs. “Well… Sometimes I’m Huntin’, Fishin’ Lovin’ Everday, other times, I’m letting Jesus, Take The Wheel, and other times I’m Takin’ It Easy on Sunday Mornin,” Wright said while pointing at Bryan, Underwood and Richie.
Underwood gushed saying, “I love you.” Wright went on to flirt with Underwood and said, “I can be single.” A blushing Underwood replied, “well, I cannot, I am old enough to be your mama,” before she showed off her massive wedding and engagement rings. “I guess I just blowed that one didn’t I?” Wright added with a laugh.
Auditioned With Cover Of “The Fireman” By George Strait
As his closest relatives and parents waited outside the audition room, Crews Wright then delivered an impressive performance of George Strait’s “The Fireman.”
Joined by an acoustic guitar player, Crews Wright truly impressed the Idol judges with his traditional country vocals. He even got the Idol judges singing along. Underwood and Bryan mouthed the words as Richie played air guitar. The performance earned an ovation from Richie, Underwood and Bryan.
“There you go Alabama. I knew you were headed somewhere, I just didn’t know exactly where,” Richie said.
Crews Wright Sings Duet Of “The Fireman” With Luke Bryan
Crew then invited Luke Bryan to join him to perform a verse of Strait’s “Fireman.” Bryan obliged and made his way to the piano, saying, “I’m going to turn this into a damn honky tonk.” The pair then delivered an impressive duet of the Strait hit before sharing a hug.
Scored A Golden Ticket To Hollywood After Being Praised By Idol Judges
“Boy that was amazing! You going to go places son,” Richie said, praising Wright’s talents.
“Alright, you’ve ever been to Hollywood,” Bryan asked, to which Wright replied, “well, It’s been on the bucket list.”
“I don’t even think we need to waste time, we just need to go right to the vote,” Richie added. The three Idol judges then each voted ‘yes,’ scoring Crews Wright a golden ticket to advance to Hollywood week on American Idol.
“He got a good voice,” Bryan admitted as Underwood chimed in, “and a good performer.”
The two-hour season premiere of American Idol aired on Sunday, March 9 at 8 PM EST.
