Nick Merico (age 24), a former actor and now a server from Woodland Hills, California sang “When I Was Your Man” by American singer and songwriter Bruno Mars during the Top 40 Hawaii Showcase round on American Idol 2020 (Season 18).
“When I Was Your Man” is the second official single from Bruno Mars’ second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox (2012). The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
Merico, who was a Hollywood Week dropout in Season 17 of American Idol, said it was nice to sing for his mom, who’s a huge Bruno Mars fan. “She’s always been, like, my biggest fan, yet my toughest critic,” he said.
The American Idol judges, who gave Merico a good scolding during his audition this season, decided to make him a part of the Top 20. His staunchest critic Lionel Richie, said he went from not liking Nick to appreciating him. Katy Perry said Nick earned it because of his talent, while Luke Bryan congratulated Nick on advancing to the next level of American Idol.
American Idol: Season 18
Episode: “Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment, Part 1” (Top 40 Performances)
Performance: “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars
Audition: Nick Merico audition
Result: Advanced to Top 20
During the final judgment, Lionel Richie asked Merico how he feels about his growth.
The Hollywood Week dropout in Season 17 said that he took what Lionel said to heart. During his audition for this season, Lionel said he didn’t like Merico because of his attitude.
Merico said, “I got home and I just got to work. You know, not going out, not doing the same things to feed my ego. I just wanted to be great, you know? And what you told me really spoke to me, man. I want to prove to you guys, it’s what I want.”
Lionel Richie said, “I have to admit something, I don’t think you were going to make it this far. But something has really changed in me. I went from not liking you to appreciating you. And, you’re in our Top 20.”
Katy Perry said, “You earned it. You’re not getting by on anything besides talent, man.”
Luke Bryan congratulated Merico and said, “Enjoy, buddy.”
American Idol Season 18 premiered at 8PM, February 16, 2020 on ABC television and will air Sundays at 8/7c until the live shows. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, filming of American Idol is temporarily suspended and the production will assess things on a weekly basis.
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.
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