Kenedi Anderson Becomes American Idol’s 2022 Frontrunner After Incredible Audition

Kenedi Anderson has cemented her status as the one to beat on season 20 of American Idol after her incredible audition.

The 17-year-old singer from Virginia sang a stripped-down version of Lady Gaga‘s “Applause” while she accompanied herself on piano.

Katy reacted to the audition by jokingly saying, “They’re younger, they’re skinnier, they’re prettier, they sing really good… Siri, make an appointment at the plastic surgeon. I don’t know how you haven’t been recruited yet. You check every box. Get ready to become your own hero.”

Kenedi told her local news channel, “It was super cool. They were really great — the judges — at calming me down. I’m someone that loves humor and so they’re great at cracking jokes here and there, and it made me feel much more comfortable.”

Kenedi received the special “platinum ticket,” which will allow her to skip a round in Hollywood and observe the contestants while sizing up the competition.

“I never thought that an opportunity like this would come my way,” Kenedi told 8News. “I think that music is definitely my main passion, and I’m really excited to be able to share that with everyone now. … I just want to pursue a career in music. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I want to be able to go on tour one day. I want to be able to sell my own music. Keep writing music. Collab with other artists. I want a career in this so badly.”

Kenedi‘s dad is Justin Anderson, who is a football coach at East Carolina University.