Photo: ABC
Luke Bryan quickly spotlighted Miyoko’s infectious energy after her American Idol audition; however, the judges were not unanimous when deciding her future on the show.
Miyoko, 24 is an anime singer from Ukraine. She showcased her stunning vocals with her rendition of “unravel,” by Tokyo Ghoul, and said she believes her energy is enough to fill stadiums and other major venues someday.
Bryan agreed. he said after the performance, “I love her. I really love your energy. I love everything you’re about. You are a star. You are a star.”
Fellow country star Carrie Underwood, who returned for her second consecutive season as a judge, said she “thought it was very good. I love your energy. In this arena, we do not have anime night. So, I’m not sure this is the avenue, but we enjoy your uniqueness.”
Lionel Richie started, “if I could take your energy and cut it in half, if I could take your vocals and cut it in half...”
“So, we put the ‘Baby Got Back’ through, but we’re not going to put her through?” Bryan interjected.
“You’re hitting on something,” Richie said.
“I’m hitting on a good point,” Bryan replied. “This is my ‘Baby Got Back’ dude moment.”
“There’s show business, and then there’s entertainment. And we don’t want theater. we want that pop singer,” Richie said. “I don’t know. I think the only way you’re going to know what we’re talking about is to put you in the class. You know what I’m thinking? I’m thinking… I’m a big ol’ yes!”
Miyoko made it through to the Hollywood rounds — which will be held in Nashville for the first time this season — with “yes” votes from Richie and Bryan. Underwood said “no.” American Idol airs on ABC on Monday nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT. It’s available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Bryan joined the star-studded lineup of the 2026 iHeartCountry Festival. The show also includes Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Shaboozey, Dylan Scott, Russell Dickerson, Gretchen Wilson, Chase Matthew and Lauren Alaina. iHeartRadio's Bobby Bones is returning as the event’s host. The show will take place on May 2 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Tickets to the show are available as of January 23. Fans across the country will be able to catch all the action as the 2026 iHeartCountry Festival will be broadcast live across iHeartCountry stations nationwide and the free iHeartRadio app on Saturday, May 2nd at 8pm ET/5pm PT (7pm CT).