At just 26 years old, she had already spent a lifetime wrapped in music. By the time most kids were learning their ABCs, she was singing. By 11, she wasn’t just singing—she was leading her church’s praise team, lifting spirits with every note. She didn’t stop there. She built her own gospel group, pouring her soul into every melody. And then came the moment. Stepping onto the American Idol stage, she sang like the world had never heard. When the last note faded, the room stood still—except for Lionel Richie. Stunned, he didn’t just applaud. He reached for his phone, dialing none other than the “Godmother of Soul” herself. “There’s a young lady here who has really been sanging,” he told her. “I want to introduce you.” And with that, he handed over a platinum ticket—her golden highway straight to Hollywood.

Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie return to the judging panel for an eighth season of American Idol, alongside newbie (and season 4 winner) Carrie Underwood. The show’s 23rd season kicked off Sunday (March 9) with a brand-new crop of hopefuls vying to become the next Underwood or Kelly Clarkson. Among them is Kolbi Jordan, the gospel singer from Oklahoma who idolizes Patti LaBelle. And thanks to Lionel Richie, Jordan walked away from her American Idol audition with more than just the show’s first platinum ticket.

Kolbi Jordan Blows Away ‘American Idol’ Judges With Chrisette Michele Cover

Hailing from Tulsa, Kolbi Jordan was singing by age 4. By age 11, she was leading her church’s praise team, later forming her own gospel group.

In 2023, Jordan, now 26, shared a Facebook post declaring her intentions to start treating music more like a calling than a hobby. “Music is in my veins. Fear BE GONE,” she wrote.

Making good on that promise, Jordan auditioned for American Idol judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with a dynamic rendition of Chrisette Michele’s “Epiphany (I’m Leaving.)”

“You had dynamics within dynamics. It was just amazing,” Underwood gushed. “You’re just so good.”

Coincidentally, Jordan also revealed that her favorite singer is Patti LaBelle—whose phone number Lionel Richie just so happens to have on speed dial. Calling her up, the “All Night Long” singer said, “There is a young lady here who has really been ‘sanging.’ I want to introduce you.”

Then, he handed the phone to an incredibly overwhelmed Jordan, who asked the “Godmother of Soul” for some pie. (LaBelle famously sells a line of “Patti Pies,” including sweet potato and peach apple cobbler, at places like Walmart and Target.

“I’ll give you some pie after you win,” promised the “On My Own” singer. “Love you, Kolbi, and good luck.”

Lionel Richie Wants to See This ‘American Idol’ Hopeful Side By Side With Her Idol

Not to jump the gun, but we’d say Kolbi Jordan’s chances of getting her hands on some Patti LaBelle pie are pretty favorable.

“My dream is to have the two of you standing side by side,” Richie told her. “I can’t even imagine what that’s going to be.”

The former Commodores member added, “First of all, the instrument is just crazy great. And the second thing is you sold us just on your personality. Now you put those two together and you have a crowd that’s pleased with your performance, but I’m telling you, it’s amazing to have you here.”