American Idol may have just discovered its next breakout star. During the February 2 episode, 24-year-old Makiyah, a bank employee from Arkansas, left judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood in awe with a show-stopping audition that instantly set her apart.
Before taking the stage, Makiyah shared that most of her singing happens in church and around her small hometown. But the moment she launched into Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do,” it became clear her voice was meant for far more than local audiences. Her powerful, controlled performance filled the room and immediately caught the judges’ attention.
Luke Bryan couldn’t hide his excitement. “My cheeks have been smiling the whole time,” he said. “You light up the room. Your energy—it’s the energy.”
Carrie Underwood echoed the praise, applauding Makiyah’s precision and strength. “You didn’t miss a note. So good, so strong, and in control of everything,” she said, before adding one of the highest compliments of the season: Makiyah has “easily the strongest voice we’ve heard so far.”
“You are meant to be here right now,” Carrie told her.
Lionel Richie agreed, describing Makiyah as the kind of contestant judges hope for every season. “We pray for the standout,” he said. “The one who puts pressure on everybody else and sets the curve. Who’s going to lead the class? It’s you.”
Luke Bryan jumped back in, calling Makiyah “what American Idol is all about,” before wondering aloud why viewers hadn’t seen her on the show sooner.
“God’s timing,” Makiyah replied. “Singing is what brings me peace and joy. It would be wonderful to take this journey with you all.”
Talent clearly runs in her family. When Makiyah’s loved ones joined her in the audition room, her 11-year-old brother surprised everyone with an impromptu rendition of Keyshia Cole’s “Love,” earning praise from the judges as well.
Moments later, Makiyah was officially handed her Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.
“I worked very hard to be here today,” she said afterward. “I feel very proud.”
American Idol airs Mondays on ABC.