‘American Idol’ Sees ‘80s New Wave Idol Show Up At Audition

The “American Idol” judges weren’t asking “Who’s That Girl?” when singer-songwriter Kaya Stewart auditioned for a spot on Season 21. Instead, it was all about the identity of the man standing next to her.

At least at first.

That’s because when the “Idol” hopeful took the stage, she did so with dad Dave Stewart, one half of the British synth-pop duo Eurythmics, by her side, and it made for a brief distraction.

Before the younger Stewart even had a chance to introduce herself, panelist Lionel Richie fixated on the elder Stewart.

“Oh, wait. What?!” he said with shock. “Say the backup musician is who?”

The other panelists, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, immediately recognized the Grammy winner, too. But for Richie, it was a reunion of sorts.

“We were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together, and it was an evening we will never forget,” he said of the 2022 honor he shared with the 70-year-old musician. “And just to have you with your daughter, I think is so cool.”

Beyond that, it gave the 22-year-old contestant an instant in with the judges, as she chose to sing a song called “This Tattoo,” on which her dad not only supported her on guitar, he also co-wrote with her.

“I wouldn’t want to do it any other way,” she said of the audition opportunity.

The pair then launched into the breakup ballad that showcased the singer’s keening ability and range.

When it was over, dad confessed, “This is much more difficult than being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Of course, accolades are typically easier than auditions. Regardless, it soon became clear his daughter had nothing to worry about. Richie was obviously an instant fan.

“I’m going to tell you the truth, because the truth is what we are about,” the former Commodore’s frontman said. “So, first of all, from the songwriting part of it and the pressure of being here, I give you so much props. And the fact that your dad showed up, I give him props. I mean, there’s a whole lot of props here. In the midst of all of this, you slayed it. I love the tone of your voice and you’re an artist; you’re really an artist.”

And she’s an artist “Idol” fans will get to hear more from soon, because Perry and Bryan were just as impressed as Richie, leaving the second-generation performer with a trio of votes sending her on to the Hollywood rounds.