What coaches Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan love about the contestants on American Idol is when they bring their own style to the songs that they audition with. And that’s just what 25-year-old MKY from East LA did on tonight’s competition.
“Music is definitely in my blood, it’s in my DNA,” MKY says in his video package. “My great Uncle Little Ray [Jimenez] was the first Chicano Mexican-American singing R&B-soul music in the ‘60s. My grandfather [Mike Jimenez] sang with a soul group called Tierra, and my dad [MYKE Nez] sings R&B-soul. So it’s in me. My family has been chasing this dream, and they passed it on to me.”
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MKY chose to sing “Ooo Baby Baby” by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, because it’s a song that has been sung in his family for generations.
“American Idol is such a great opportunity for me to sing to the world and I’m going to give it all I got,” he added.
So moved was Lionel by MKY’s performance as it took him back to his high school years that he got up and danced.
Lionel exclaimed, “You know where that put me? That put me in high school. Yes, sir, high school.”
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“Where did you get Smokey?” Luke asked.
“I grew up on it,” MKY answered. “It’s a classic in my family.”
Lionel asked, “How many people did you bring from this family?”
“My dad and my mom are here. But my biggest inspiration is my grandfather who passed away three years ago,” MKY answered. “I have his name and my father’s name – all singers – so I am the third.”
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Then the judges asked MKY to go get his dad, and he came back with MYKE and his mom.
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Lionel tells MKY’s parents, “This kid is sensational. Mom, join your son. This is serious business. You do know that from this point on, he not only belongs to you, he belongs to the world, so we’re going to vote so you can see that transition happen right in front of you.”
Luke voted yes. Carrie said, “I feel like you’ve got all of the pieces. I am excited to see what you do in this competition. It’s a yes for me.” And Lionel sealed the deal, saying, “Yes, yes, and yes.”
Next watch for MKY when American Idol begins Hollywood Week.
American Idol airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Streams next day on Hulu.
Next, Here’s All the Info on American Idol 2025, Including the Judges, Host, How to Audition and a New Trailer Featuring Carrie Underwood
