Watch couple sing duet on ‘American Idol’ — but only the NC native is off to Hollywood
A couple performed their original song on “American Idol” — but only one of the sweethearts advanced to the next round of the competition.
Kaylin Roberson of Raleigh, North Carolina, got the invitation after wowing celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie with her talent.
“You’ve got a big, step out in the spotlight and let it rip voice,” Bryan said after her audition.
Roberson, 23, received praise after singing a duet with her boyfriend, 23-year-old Matt Gorman of Philadelphia.
“We love to perform,” he said during the show. “We love to be on the stage. We love the spotlight.”
The pair, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, met during a photo shoot. The two say they write music together, including “Fast Forever,” the song they performed on the episode that aired Monday, March 21.
The lyrics won over some of the celebrity judges, who said Roberson complemented her partner’s voice.
“It’s just a big voice that’s authentically yours, and it has all the right country things going on,” Bryan told the North Carolina singer. “And your voice, Matt, you’re the opposite. It’s a laid back kind of California feeling.”
But two of the judges ultimately said they weren’t ready for Gorman to move forward on “American Idol,” giving him “no” votes.
“Matt, you’re a good man and you’ve got some really good foundation,” Perry said. “That is for sure. I think it’s gonna be challenging in this competition though.”
When it was time to vote for Roberson, the judges all voted “yes.” Video shows her kissing her boyfriend when they heard the emotional news that she would move to the next round of the competition in Hollywood.
“You’re going to need Matt as a rock,” Richie said. “I’m just going to tell you that because it is not going to be just a cakewalk.”
On Instagram, Roberson said the audition was “bittersweet” as she became the only one to continue on the show.
“I’m happy I got to share a very special moment with @mattgorman, but I’m sad to move on in the competition without him,” she wrote. “He’s my whole world and the reason I even auditioned this season.”
This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Watch couple sing duet on ‘American Idol’ — but only the NC native is off to Hollywood."
