American Idol 2024: Kaibrienne’s “Here Without You” is Raw but Beautiful
American Idol Season 22’s live shows continued on Sunday (April 28) as the Top 10 sang songs from their birth year while country pop superstar Shania Twain–who was a huge star during the years the singers were born– mentored them. One singer who is coming into her own is 20 year old Utah native, Kaibrienne who closed the show with “Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down, a huge 2000s hit. The performance helped propel the singer into the Top 8. (Read our Recap)
Kaibrienne said in her video package that when she was growing up. she was full of energy, and her siblings always said “Hollywood is calling your name.” Being being in the Top 10 feels meant to be for her. As she entered the rehearsal room, she shared a hug with Shania. She shared that she was singing the song for her friend Shaylee who passed away unexpectedly a few weeks before she came out to California to film the live shows. She described the song as capturing “the raw feelings of grief.” Shania observed, “Kaibrienne wears her emotion on her sleeve in a really beautiful way.” She suggested Kaibrienne sing with more dynamics by starting the song quieter with more air and cry in her voice.
Standing ovation
On stage, Kaibrienne took Shania’s advice, singing with an ache in her voice. The soft rock song choice was a perfect match with her vocal. She truly shines with rock songs. Last week, she had a moment with a Joan Jett song for Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame night. She settled nicely into this song without missing a beat. In the chorus she displayed her rasp, before really playing with the dynamics, hitting some big and powerful notes. She is still a bit raw around the edges, but her development and comfort on stage has grown in recent weeks. She has all the chops to be a recording artist.
All three judges stand for her. Luke Bryan said, “The song really fits that gravel and grit in your voice.” He called it one of his favorites of all of her performances. Lionel Richie said, “you have a cry that I could listen to all night long.” He liked that she came forward with the mic at one point. Katy Perry said that Shania brought the best out in her, and compared her voice to a “pot of gold.”
The competition grows fierce
Other than Kaibrienne, McKenna Faith Breinholt gave a solid performance of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris”, Abi Carter continued to show why she is a frontrunner with Coldplay’s “Clocks,” and Jack Blocker did a nice job of reworking Cher’s “Believe.”
However, the votes are becoming more unpredictable. One misstep can send a singer home. Mia Matthews body of work seemed solid enough to keep her in the competition, but a slip up on the words and an off performance likely led to her going home. Also, Kayko appeared to be memorable enough to survive, but both singers were outlasted by singers like Emmy Russell who hasn’t really had a huge moment yet, and McKenna who is great, but doesn’t have great numbers on socials. Monday night’s show is the Judges Song Contest, and only one singer will go home after a judges save.
