Mattie Pruitt has officially earned a spot in American Idol’s Top 12. The 16-year-old powerhouse once again showed off her impressive vocals and star-power with an electrifying performance of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.”
She leaned into her edgier side for the show’s “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” episode to deliver the soul-baring anthem fueled by heartbreak. Right from the start, the performance caught the attention of fans as Pruitt opened at the end of the stage, behind the judge’s table and then slowly strutted her way to back to the center.
Her impressive vocals captivated the entire room and was further elevated by the epic light show and blasts of smoke lining the stage.
“Take another little piece of my heart now, baby/ Oh, oh, break it/ Break another little bit of my heart now, darling, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah/ Oh, oh, have a/ Have another little piece of my heart now, baby/ Well, you know you got it, if it makes you feel good/ Oh, yes indeed,” the hopeful act sang on the chorus.
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Prior to the performance, Mattie Pruitt met with guest mentor, James Taylor, who challenged her to read the lyrics without any music. This allowed her to better connect to the story she was telling and pour her heart out completely. It’s evident that after receiving this guidance, she was able to make the story her own, leaving both the judges and members of the live audience hooked on her delivery.
While thoroughly impressed, Carrie Underwood had a bit of advice of her own to share with Pruitt.
“Mattie, that was a great song choice for your voice and obviously for the night. If there’s anything I can say to you is you’ve got to find that sass, sister.”
Luke Bryan piggybacked off this critique, encouraging her to do “More digging in…don’t be scared of yourself.” He said before noting that vocally, this was one of his favorite performances of hers yet. “Take that vocal and just build on the sass.”
Lionel Richie agreed with his fellow judges and made a point to highlight that her talent is well beyond her years.
“Who do you think you are? Out there at this age acting like a full-grown superstar. If you just lean in, take that advice to what they just said, you’re on your way to something.”
The unforgettable performance solidified her place in the competition, allowing her to advance alongside her fellow Top 12 contestants. She began her journey with a cover of Jessie Murph’s “How Could You,” and has since stolen hearts with James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World,” impressed with “Wide Awake” by Katy Perry, showcased her gospel soul sound with “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle, and more.
As things continue to heat up, with more challenges up ahead, Mattie Pruitt once again proved that despite being the youngest of hopeful singers this season, age is simply just a number. She is currently on the fast track to leave her mark on American Idol Season 23.
With the Top 12 officially set, the next round of performances will take place tonight on American Idol at 8/7c on ABC.
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