American Idol Season 24 Premiere: Brooks Rosser’s One-Of-Kind Voice Shines
American Idol was back on Monday night (Feb 26) with the premiere of Season 24, and it started off with a showcase of some great voices as well as some touching and powerful stories. One voice was truly one-of-kind, and that voice belonged to 22-year-old, Brooks Rosser, who is from Bel Air, Maryland, and is a medication technician at a dementia facility.
His voice was so unique that it started with a montage of unique voiced singers who were all rejected for not quite making the American Idol mark. Then, we were introduced to him. When asked how people respond to his voice by judge Luke Bryan, Brooks responded, “they think it’s unique.” He’s never really performed outside of playing guitar at a few gigs.
We then get a look at Brooks at work, as he talks to his patient, Skip. Brooks shares that, “it has been extremely fulfilling” when talking about his work. He added that his patients are “actually just friends.” He was shy growing up, but his grandma was his biggest fan, and he played guitar to her when she started showing symptoms of dementia. This turned into a passion. His patient Skip observes, “I think your talent is above most people,” and promises to root Brooks on when he auditions in Nashville.
The judges are impressed with Brooks’ unique voice
Brooks first sings, “Your Place at My Place” by up-and-coming folk singer Joshua Sloan. His voice made me go, “woah” as soon as he opened his mouth and displayed his higher pitched folksy tone. His voice may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as it is a bit of a polarizing sound, but I dug it, and sometimes early in the competition a unique sound can get you further. It has the ability to tell a story too. It’s a special sound.
The judges have a similar reaction, with Luke saying, “Gosh, I just want to hear more.” He’s shocked he hasn’t played more gigs. Carrie Underwood calls him a “unicorn” in that he has his own voice. Next, he sings, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” which he sings at work to his patients. It’s an even more powerful moment where as he hits some beautiful runs.
Luke says, “this kid is so good”. Lionel says, “I have not heard another voice like this ever.” Thunderstorm Artis, a Season 23 top 5 finalist, is in the room and declares that he is obsessed with Brooks. He loved every moment of the audition. Luke compares listening to Brooks to listening to Van Morrison. The judges give him a resounding 3 yeses.
American Idol season 24 off to a good start
His vibe reminds me a bit of Season 19 finalist Hunter Metts who has made a solid career in the indie folk world. I think Brooks could go very far in this competition.
There were a few other amazing singers on this episode which included Jesse Findling who shared how music is an outlet for him as he struggled growing up with a stutter. He sang Benson Boone’s “In The Stars,” giving an emotive and beautiful vocal. Kyndal Inskeep is another one to watch out for as a former The Voice contestant and amazing songwriter who inspired another auditioner to audition with her song without knowing she would be there, auditioning. She then nailed her original titled “Prayer of a Trying Daughter.” And then there were some impactful moments like Khloe Grace’s powerful suicide awareness original. Overall, it was a very solid premiere and there is a lot to look forward to this season!
