‘American Idol’: Luke Bryan Gushes Over Phil Kane

Luke Bryan gushed over contestant Phil Kane. There have been many country singers on this season of American Idol Season 21. However, there was one contestant that made an impact on Luke. The ABC singing competition shared another teaser about tonight’s episode. Keep on reading to learn more.

Who is Phil Kane?

Philip “Phil” Kane is hoping to get his start on American Idol. He’s an aspiring singer and songwriter. Tonight is the last of the auditions. Fans will get to know Phil, who captivates Luke Bryan. The 18-year-old hails from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, but lives and studies in Nashville.

In his introduction, Phil says he loves “girls” and “dirt roads.” Host Ryan Seacrest wants to know in which order. Phil admitted that it’s reflected in his music. He performed his original song “Osage County” for his audition. Phil sat down behind the grand white piano as he belted out the tune.

American Idol already shared the teaser of Phil’s audition ahead of the Sunday, March 26 episode. Check it out for yourself below.

Luke Bryan gushes over Idol contestant

The audition warrants a standing ovation from all three judges. Luke Bryan has another big star on his mind. He compared Phil to this country superstar.

“The country Jackson Brown,” Luke Bryan said. “You got it done there big boy.”

Phil accepted the big compliment. He thanked the judges for their compliments. Phil was pleased with himself after he listened to what they said. Katy Perry admitted that his song “gave me chills.” She “believed every single word.”

“It was just so real and I really related to it. I, I’m not even from your little town, but I want to go and visit now. Osage County, I’m coming,” Katy said. “I’m buying a shirt. It’s just that authenticity will get you so far….not about notes. It’s about telling a story, isn’t it Lionel Richie?”

Phil Kane is the total package

Lionel Richie admitted that Phil “checked all the boxes.” He described his storytelling as “perfect.” Phil confessed that he wrote the emotional song when he was 16 years. It was the first song he wrote, which is why he performed it. Lionel said his audition was “dead on the money” and “brilliant.”

Luke Bryan agreed with the judges. He admitted that Phil was the total package. Luke has a good feeling about the aspiring country artist.

“People don’t have and people got it,” Luke Bryan said. “And you got it. Great job!”

Katy advised Phil to “don’t try and be something you’re not.” Lionel agreed and said that he should “be authentic.” Phil is hoping to become the next American Idol like Season 20 winner, Noah Thompson. Luke Bryan, Katy, and Lionel gave him three yeses and the golden ticket to Hollywood.

Watch the new episode of American Idol on Sunday, March 26 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.