American Idol 2023 contestant Nutsa Buzaladze, or Nutsa as she goes by in the competition, hails from Georgia in Eastern Europe, but is currently Dubai based. After receiving 3 yeses from judges–Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan–after her audition, 3 yeses sent her to Hollywood.
In a new preview clip from Sunday’s (April 2) American idol, the auditorium falls silent as Nutsa performs a highly dramatic performance of Celine Dion’s “I Surrender.” Indeed, the audience appears to have surrendered to the singers huge vocals.
Afterward, the judges are on their feet. “I have chills everywhere!” Luke says. That prompts Katy to declare, “I feel like we have the best talent this year! This is the BEST season!”
Jlo from Georgia
Nutsa has competed in various Got Talent, The Voice competitions, and more. She won New Wave (a competition similar to Junior Eurovision) in 2014 and Kenga Magjike in 2021.
In her initial audition in front of the judges the big voiced singer performed “Lady Marmalade.” Katy said, “There’s a voice in there,” but called her performance “too hot.” She asked for another song, challenging her not to oversing. Nutsa chose the classic ballad “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston. Lionel thought she “nailed it,” while Katy advised her to “be real.” Luke dubbed her the “J lo from Georgia.”
American idol alums return to work with the Hollywood hopefuls
Before the contestants sing on day one, seven American Idol alums will meet with the singers to help shape their solo performances. Producers ditched the usual “genre challenge” this season. Instead, the singers chose areas where they felt like they needed help.
Justin Guarini (season 1) and Jordin Sparks (Season 6 winner) coached the “performance” group. Clay Aiken (Season 2) and David Archuleta (Season 7) coached the “confidence” group and Phillip Phillips (season 11 winner) and Catie Turner (Season 16) worked with the “songwriters.”
Hollywood Week will air in two parts on Sunday (April 2) and Monday (April 3) on ABC at 8 pm ET/PT.
Sunday’s episode features solos from the singers after they meet with American Idol alums who returned to the show to mentor and assist the contestants. On Day 2, the judges will pair up the singers that remain after Day 1 cuts for “dynamic duets.” The duets challenge will determine whether the singers advance to the Showstopper round, where they will sing with a full band in front of a live audience for a chance at a spot in the Top 26.
The Top 26 will head to Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii to once again sing in front of a live audience for America’s Vote!
