At 16 years old, Emyrson Flora was the youngest singer competing on American Idol on season 20. Despite her young age and inexperience, the Cleveland, Ohio native sang with an impressive maturity that propelled her into the Top 10.
Although she left the competition before the Top 7, Emyrson is grateful for the American Idol experience. The singer-songwriter posted a heartfelt goodbye message on social media earlier this week after voters sent her home at the end of Disney Night.
“It’s super hard for me to express how much this experience has meant to me. I’ve met my family. I’ve learned so much every single day. from start to finish,” Emyrson wrote. “To the friends i’ve made, every step of the way, thank you for everything. I’ve never felt so much love in an environment before. you are all such amazing, talented, beautiful souls and I thank god everyday that I’ve gotten the opportunity to meet and get to know you all individually.”
The singer continued, “Thank you to @americanidol and @katyperry @lionelrichie and @lukebryan for being so uplifting and supportive. Also a HUGE thank you too YOU ALLLLLLL!!!! you have supported me non stop for so long and I couldn’t be more grateful. I never imagined I’d get to this point. Top 10 what. Thank you a million times over.”
“See you at the finale”
“I’ve learned so much about myself and my craft. I’ve learned that i can do this. I love this so much. and im so lucky i’ve gotten the chance to do it,” Emyrson learned that she made American Idol history, “Turns out i’m the youngest person to ever make it into top ten so that’s cool!! I love you all so much and I really couldn’t be more happy and grateful for everything this has done for me.” She added, “See you at the finale.”
Emyrson posted her message alongside a slideshow of photos from her time on Idol, including pictures with Jordin Sparks and mentor Gabby Barrett.
The singer impressed the judges in her audition with a performance of Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke” while seated at the piano. Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan noted her inexperience, but decided to “roll the dice” with her. Her assured and emotional performance of the Miley Cyrus song “Angels Like You” at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii for the Top 24 round served as a turning point, and solidified her place as a contestant to watch.
Which celebrity artist will producers bring to the finale to sing with Emyrson? Who would you like Emyrson to duet with?
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