Olivia Ximines (age 16) from California performed “Proud Mary” aka “Rollin’ on the River” during the Top 40 Hawaii Showcase on American Idol 2020 (Season 18).
“Proud Mary” was written by John Fogerty and first recorded by his band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Released as a single from the band’s second studio album, Bayou Country in January 1969, it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. A cover version by Ike and Tina Turner, released in 1971 reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award.
Olivia wowed American Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Blake Shelton with her rendition. Surprised that Olivia’s high school does not know that she’s in American Idol, Lionel Richie said she has to fill them in because she’s part of the Top 20. Lionel said that Olivia can not only sing but she can move as well. He also said Olivia’s smile and energy are amazing.
American Idol: Season 18
Episode: “Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment, Part 2” (Top 40 Performances)
Performance: “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival / Tina Turner
Audition: Olivia Ximines audition
Result: Advanced to Top 20
Before hearing the judges’ evaluation of her performance, Olivia said she’s nervous but she wants to be in The Top 20 so bad. “I truly believe I have what it takes,” she said.
Facing the judges the morning after her performance, Olivia revealed that she has not updated her fellow Orange Vista High School troupe dancers about what’s happening to her on American Idol. Her school does not even know that she’s on American Idol, which surprised the judges.
Lionel Richie said that the Tina Turner attitude during Olivia’s performance reminded the judges that Olivia not only sings but that she can move or dance as well. “Your energy, your smile, it was quite amazing. And I’m going to be actually the one to tell you, you need to call your high school and fill them in on what’s going on. Because you’re in our Top 20. You’re going to the next step. We love you.”
Breathing a sigh of relief and saying her thanks, Olivia said, “I don’t even know how I’m gonna tell them.”
Luke Bryan said, “You better tell them…You can’t keep it from your hometown anymore.”
Katy Perry commented, “That was awesome. So sweet.”
In the interview, Olivia said, “I didn’t know I was gonna get this far. So this experience has built my confidence to measures I can’t even explain. And I’m so thankful.”
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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