Thanks to the futility of the Cubs, Chicago is known as a city of lovable losers.
But Katelyn Epperly may change all that.
The curly-haired 19-year old from Iowa was the top auditioner in the Windy City last night. She told a sad personal story about her father leaving and then wowed American Idol judges with a version of Duffy’s “Syrup and Honey.”
Randy loved her unique sound, while guest judge Shania Twain told Epperly: “I think you have a voice that could sing a hit song.”
What else do we know about Katelyn so far?
- She fronts a folk-rock band called Katelyn & the Bruises.
- She cites her musical influeces as Wilco, Good Old War, the Format, Thom Yorke and Fiona Apple, among others.
- She portrayed Dorothy in a 2004 production of The Wizard of Oz at the Des Moines Playhouse.
Other golden ticket recipients from Chicago included Charity Vance, John Park and Paige Dechausse. But, from this group, only Epperly is rumored to have advanced to the final 24.
Watch her audition below and sound off on her chances to be crowned the next American Idol.
