1. Lauren Gray, age 22
Courtesy Fox Television
2. Johnny Keyser, age 22
Courtesy Fox Television
Johnny Keyser told a story of being raised by a single father. He has natural good looks that are accompanied by a tremendously soulful voice. Johnny Keyser sang Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." The song was recorded in 1963 and released shortly after Sam Cooke's untimely death in 1964. It only reached #31 on the pop chart but has become an anthem strongly associated with the Civil Rights Movement.
3. Ethan Jones, age 22
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Ethan Jones has a musical legacy in his family. He and his father were both in a successful local band. However, his father ended up in drug and alcohol rehab. Although Ethan Jones' background is in country music he sang with a powerful rock-soul voice delivering Edwin McCain's "I'll Be." He explained that although he knows country music, his heart is in soul. "I'll Be" was a top 5 hit for Edwin McCain in 1998. It is his only top 10 pop hit.
4. Reis Kloeckener, age 20
Courtesy Fox Television
Reis Kloeckener was bullied as a high school student. However, he joined the high school choir and it made a huge difference in his life. His pleasing version of "Lean On Me" moved judge Steven Tyler to tears. "Lean On Me" was first written and recorded by Bill Withers and reached #1 on the pop singles chart in 1972. A later version by Club Nouveau hit #1 in 1987.
5. Rachelle Lamb, age 26
Courtesy Fox Television
Rachelle Lamb told a sad story about divorce and appeared at the audition with her young daughter. She said she was performing a song her ex husband did not like. She referred to the song as Faith Hill's "Find Somebody New." It is actually titled "Dearly Beloved" and is included on the album Fireflies. The song was never released as a single, but the album appeared in 2005 and hit #1 on both the country and pop charts being certified double platinum in the process.
