Alabama native Isaiah Moore put life on pause to audition for American Idol — with his wife’s blessing.
During the Sunday, March 16, episode of the singing competition, the 22-year-old singer introduced himself and his wife, Abby, to host Ryan Seacrest. Moore revealed the pair had only been married for seven days.
“We had a cruise to the Caribbean for our honeymoon, but ultimately, my wife, she told me that there was no other option but to cancel it and come here to audition in Nashville,” Moore told the cameras.
Seacrest, 50, proceeded to give the couple “a little taste” of what they were missing on their cruise by bringing them tropical mocktails.
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When Moore finally had his chance to sing in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, he shared some insight into this upbringing.
“I have two brothers, but one of them live with me. When he was 3 months old, me and him were put into the court system, and we were about to go into foster care. It was a struggle during my younger years,” he recalled. “My mother was deep into drugs. She was in and out of jail a few times throughout my life, but by God’s grace and all his blessings, my maw-maw [and] my paw-paw took us in. They raised us the best that they could, and I’m very thankful to have them today, and I’m so glad they’re here with me.”
Moore revealed that it was difficult “not getting to see” his mother as a kid, but she “tried to do better” in her recovery. “I can say today with a happy and joyful smile that she is free from drugs and rehab for three years,” he added.
While Moore had “the most important people in my life” there to cheer him on at his audition — including his mom — he felt the absence of his brother.
“He’s been having a hard time the past year, I would say, and I worry about him. I love him. He was supposed to be here today. I know that he loves me, but I just don’t want him going down the same path that my mom went down, and so I’m singing this for him,” Moore said.
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With an acoustic guitar in hand, Moore launched into an emotional rendition of Luke Combs‘ “Where the Wild Things Are,” nearly bringing Underwood to tears.
“I think there’s a story in that voice,” Bryan said, noting that the song choice had “a lot of parallels” to Moore’s own journey.
Richie said Moore’s performance was “smoking,” adding, “I felt the passion. I felt the pain. You’re carrying a lot inside, but your blessing is that you can actually deliver it in a vocal that’s touching.”
Underwood praised Moore’s “powerful voice” before inviting his family into the room. A unanimous vote sent Moore through to Hollywood.
“Getting a golden ticket, getting married, having my mom with me, having my family with me. It’s been the most exciting and best time that I’ve had in a long time in my life,” Moore gushed after his audition. “I think this is gonna be the start to a great chapter in my life.”
American Idol airs on ABC Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.
