Marna Michele (age 27), a secretary from Costa Mesa, California, sang an amazing cover of “Million Reasons” by American singer Lady Gaga during the Auditions Round of American Idol 2020 (Season 18).
“Million Reasons” is a song from Lady Gaga’s fifth studio album, Joanne, released as a promotional single in November 2016. It peaked at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100, and re-entered the chart at number 4 after her Super Bowl LI halftime show.
Marna Michele suffers from muscle and joint disoder called arthrogryposis and is bound to a wheelchair. But she has a very positive attitude and though she admits her condition is not easy because her muscles are weak, her joints are stiff and she can’t lift her arms above her head, she lives a very full life. She has a job, drives her own car, cooks and cleans, everything that her parents never expected. She said, “I would not change it for the world. I love my disability.”
Not having someone to look up to who was in a wheelchair when she was growing up, Marna said she closely identified with Forrest Gump since she also wore braces when she was a child. Marna said she wants to serve as an inspiration to little girls and boys who want to be represented, and that it’s about time that someone is an American Idol who isn’t perfect. “I have very many flaws and I think that I would make a really good American Idol because of that,” she said.
Luke Bryan thought that Marna had incredible range but needs a little more cry in her voice. Katy Perry thought Marna aced the exercise. Lionel Richie thought she has to concentrate more on the story, and not just focus on reaching the high notes. With mostly positive comments from the judges, Marna Michele got a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. But Katy reminded Marna that she would be treated the same and they will put the same pressure on her like the rest of the contestants.
When Marna came into the audition room and said she can’t high five the judges but can fist bump them, Katy Perry lost no time and walked up to Marna to fist bump her.
Judges Comments:
Luke Bryan said Marna had incredible range. “I just want you to have a little more cry in your voice…I mean, just really dig in.”
Lionel Richie told Marna, “I have a suggestion, I know you can’t get to wait to get to the (points up). Where’s that high note? When actually I want you to concentrate on the story you’re telling because it becomes flat in terms of the emotion, the feel.”
Luke voted “Yes”. Katy Perry said that Marna aced “that exercise” and also voted “Yes”. Lionel gave Marna a big “Yes”. With three “Yes” votes, Marna was given a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
After handing her the Golden Ticket to Hollywood, Katy Perry told Marna, “We are going to treat you the same and put the same pressure on you. And as per that exercise, you’re gonna do just fine.”
In a post-audition interview, Marna said, “This is amazing. It’s the best experience so far in my life.”
American Idol Season 18 premiered at 8PM, February 16, 2020 on ABC television and will air Sundays at 8/7c. Ryan Seacrest continues his role as the show’s host and Bobby Bones returns as the in-house mentor. Despite budget cuts, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie come back as judges for their third season of the series.
Also, check these topics out: Mosean Wilson American Idol audition, American Idol 2020 Makayla Phillips audition, American Idol 2020 Jimmy Levy audition, 2020 Oscars, American Idol 2020 Zack Dobbins audition, American Idol Danny La Rota Royals. American Idol 2020: Marna Michele audition “Million Reasons”. American Idol 2020: Marna Michele audition “Million Reasons” | Lady Gaga | Season 18.
