UPDATE 4/2/2024:
Unfortunately, Michael Rice‘s journey on the current season of American Idol came to an end last night. Though the 26-year-old belter survived the ‘biggest cut in American Idol history’ during Sunday night’s broadcast, making the cut from the Top 143 to the Top 56, he was not so lucky during the singing competition’s ‘Showstoppers’ round. He was cut just outside of the season’s Top 24, alongside fellow Brit and TV talent show-veteran Scarlet Lee. (Lee came 2nd on The X Factor UK in 2017.) Their loss.
In happier news, though, Michael isn’t letting this moment in the spotlight go to waste. On Sunday, he uploaded a performance of Adele’s “Turning Tables”-the song he performed during American Idol’s Hollywood Week-to his YouTube channel. It is also available now on Spotify. If you’re a fan of Michael Rice’s ‘big’ voice, head on over and give our boy some streams!
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‘Bigger than Us’? More like ‘Bigger than The US’!
It’s been nearly five years since Michael Rice took to the Eurovision stage in Tel Aviv. And though the talented singer came last in that year’s Grand Final, one more in a string of disappointing results for The United Kingdom, his rich vocal tone and winning personality made a lasting impression.
Fast forward to 2024, and the 26 year old is opening a new chapter in his music career. In tonight’s episode of American Idol, the US television singing competition currently in its 22nd season, Michael auditions in front of the show’s three judges: Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry. ABC, the current network that broadcasts the show, put up his full audition in advance, surely a sign that the show is invested in his success. You can watch it below:
In the audition, Michael performs a cover of Kelly Clarkson’s 2004 chart-topper ‘Because of You’, dedicating it to the memory of his late father who passed away from a heart attack brought on by years of drug addiction. Impressed by his story and his powerful voice, Michael *spoiler alert* receives a standing ovation and a group hug from the judging panel, securing a ticket to the next round of the competition. Katy Perry summed up the trio’s reaction to Michael’s audition thusly:
“That big, old voice and that beautiful personality …”
Michael is commemorating his upcoming moment in the US TV spotlight by dropping his version of ‘Because of You’ as a single. It can be streamed/purchased in all the usual places that can be found here. In an Instagram caption timed to the single release, Michael paid further tribute to his father and the legacy he left behind, writing:
“Well, dad, my dream just came true.”
This isn’t Michael’s first foray into televised singing competition. The crooner previously made it to the semi-finals of The X Factor in 2014 and won the first series of BBC One vocal gauntlet All Together Now. He also won the right to represent The UK in Tel Aviv during the 2019 edition of Eurovision: You Decide. You can watch his national final performance below:
Only time will tell how far Michael can go on American Idol, but, with the eyes of big-name music personalities and millions of at-home viewers hooked by his backstory and belting, there’s reason for optimism.
Good luck, Michael!
Which former Eurovision stars would #YOU like to see audition for an American singing competition? Will #YOU be following Michael’s journey through the season? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our Discord, or on our forum page!
