Orlando singer
Alyssa Raghu may be just 16, but her song choices on “American Idol” show a fearless side.
Orlando singer Alyssa Raghu may be just 16, but she went big with her song choices on upcoming episodes of ABC’s “American Idol.”
She will perform Rihanna’s “Stay” on Sunday, and she’s paired with Liverpool musician Banners on Coldplay’s “Yellow” on Monday’s show. Both episodes start at 8 p.m.
“You have to be bold with the choices you make on ‘American Idol.’ You cannot play it safe,” said the sophomore at Lake Nona High School. She is one of the Top 24 on the singing contest.
Of “Stay,” she said: “I really went all out with this performance. I’m excited for you to see it.”
In a video for ABC, Banners describes Raghu as “so lovely” and “a little bundle of energy.” He praises her conviction, confidence and voice.
“I was really blown away by her because she’s so together,” Banners said.
Raghu said it was “incredibly surreal” to perform with Banners. “He’s been around so much in the industry and still has such a great heart,” she said. “He gives great advice. I think we’ve become friends.”
Viewers will have to watch to see if she advanced, but Raghu sounds proud. “I really did give it my all,” she said. “Do I want to go home crying or do I want to come out of here feeling I did my best and gave it my all?”
The maker of Ragu products, celebrating that their names sound alike, has sent her bottles of sauce and cooking supplies. Every time she posts something, Ragu likes it. She said she has felt Orlando’s support when she has performed at charity events.
Raghu describes the response at school as “beyond positive.” “They want to see me do well, and they’re rooting for me constantly,” she added.
She said she’s handling the pressure by taking the challenge one step at a time.
“I understand this entire process is not going to be easy,” she said. “But making a career is not supposed to be easy. I know I’m only 16. I have to buckle up and be professional about it so I can make it in the business.” (She turned 16 in March.)
Raghu described the show experience as amazing.
“They’ve just helped me grow as an artist. I really can’t ask for much more,” she said. “They helped me grow and get exposure. I have to thank ‘American Idol’ for that. I’m doing what I love every single day. I really can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”