Huntergirl Dedicates ‘American Idol’ Performance Of Sugarland’s ‘Baby Girl’ To Her Parents – ‘I See How Much They Have Done For Me’
Top 14 american idol Contestant Huntergirl returned this week to give another standout performance. Mentored by former contestant and country star Gabby Barrett, Huntergirl focused on finding the part, sounding the part and honing her storytelling skills on stage.
“This mentorship seemed like heaven-sent this week. Being the only country artist in the contest right now, when I saw Gabby Barrett coming in, I was like, ‘Praise God,'” Huntergirl said.
Huntergirl performed one of country duo Sugarland’s first songs, “Baby Girl.” The singer dedicated her performance of the Billboard Hot 100 hit to her parents for the show’s Top 14.
“I just want my parents to know that I see everything they’ve done for me, and hopefully I can give it back to them,” she said.
Mentor Barrett chimed in, praising the singer for his song choices. Barrett said conducting with emotion and focusing on the sincerity of what you’re trying to communicate through a song adds that extra “something” to a performance.
“It’s a moving song for you, like an emotional connection to your parents,” Barrett told Huntergirl. “So try to really sing how you feel, like you were together at the time. I remember doing that with my dad. I think your parents are going to be very proud.
The judges, who have always been impressed with the singer’s talents, commented that she stood out as an entertainer.
“You’re experiencing all the ‘greatness’ of this talent on stage right now,” judge Katy Perry said.
Lionel Richie agreed, saying, “I love that you came to get the part, sound the part. You look like an old pro on this stage.
Huntergirl is sure she made her parents proud no matter what, but later that night she qualified for the Top 11 reality TV competition. She took to Instagram to share her gratitude.
“YOU MADE ME CRY!! I’M IN THE TOP 11! Thank you very much,” she wrote. “I can’t tell you how much that means to me. Tonight was so special with my parents there. YOU ARE THE BEST 💛 Log in tomorrow to vote for the Top 10! I LOVE YOU. You are all the reason I am here. Thank you all.”
Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC.