Former Eurovision alumni, Michael Rice who represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv has recently confirmed he will take part in the upcoming season of American Idol.
Michael Rice goes bigger with American Idol audition
In a recent social media post, Michael Rice announced his intention to crack America with the news that he has auditioned for the latest season of the famous reality singing competition, American Idol. Season 22 kicks off on February 18 on ABC, with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry returning as judges and Ryan Seacrest continuing hosting duties. Already the online Idol community has put their sleuthing skills to good work. So far it seems Michael Rice has reached the Top 57 performing, ‘All By Myself’ originally by Eric Carmen & Celine Dion in the Showstopper Round. During this stage of the competition, the contestants perform for the judges in front of a live audience. The Showstopper Round is expected to air in April.
Many will know Michael is a seasoned veteran of reality competition. Previously he has participated in The X Factor UK, reaching the Bootcamp stage, as well as winning BBC1 show, All Together Now in 2018. Of course, Michael’s defining career moment came in 2019. Following his victory at Eurovision: You Decide 2019, he went on to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. During the contest, ‘Bigger Than Us’ finished in last place with 11 points.
Eurovision and American Idol
Those familiar with both competitions will know that Michael is not the first singer with Eurovision connections to dip his toes stateside in American Idol. Back in 2016 Lindita, who represented Albania in Eurovision 2017, advanced to the Top 25 in the fifteenth season of Idol. Last year, Nutsa Buzaladze who finished runner-up in the Georgian national final for Eurovision 2017, reached the Top 12 during season 21.
Will you be following Michael Rice’s American Idol journey? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see our reactions to the news throughout the Eurovision 2024 season.
