17-Year-Old Singer Impresses 'American Idol' Judges with Original Song

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Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit

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American Idol has shared an early release audition from this Sunday’s new episode of Season 22, featuring 17-year-old singer Liliana Tovar Dalton. Liliana performed an original song for the judges called “5 Percent.”

Teen Singer Impresses American Idol Judges in Audition

“I’m a teenage girl. I have a lot of feelings, about teenage boys especially,” Liliana told host Ryan Seacrest about her passion for songwriting. She also joked that she’s “in my Taylor Swift era,” adding that it’s “probably Reputation.”

For her audition, Liliana performed an original song on the piano called “5 Percent,” explaining that the title refers to the amount of effort the subject of the song put into their relationship. The lyrics describe how she’s waiting for a boy to contact her.

Katy Perry said the song felt like “one long text message,” and Liliana confirmed that she was inspired by the act of telling friend about her problems with the boy in question. She let out a curse word, causing the judges to laugh.

SEE ALSO: PAST ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ CONTESTANT RETURNS AS SEASON 22 AUDITIONS CONTINUE

What Did the Judges Think?

Perry told Liliana that even though her song “lacked a little bit of fundamental structure,” she still loved it, adding, “It was raw, it was honest, it was vulnerable. You were taking your inner thoughts and displaying them to the world.”

However, Perry wondered about Liliana’s range as an artist. Lionel Richie told Liliana that she has to “get into the guts of you.” He advised her to take inspiration from Taylor Swift, since she’s going to have some tough competition on the show.

Before the judges presented Liliana with a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, Perry predicted that the subject of her song would probably watch the show and text her. She suggested that Liliana should “leave him on read.”

American Idol returns with more auditions this Sunday night on ABC.

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