An aspiring musician from Meridian has taken the first step in her journey to become the next American Idol.
Lillie Zitlaly Rhoden’s audition on the hit TV show aired Sunday night during the season 23 premiere, and it has fans buzzing. Rhoden took the stage with a metal rendition of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell,” with two of the three judges voting to send the 20-year-old to Hollywood.
“I think you deserve a chance to shake things up, so I am a yes,” new judge Carrie Underwood said as returning judge Lionel Richie added, “I am telling you there’s something magical here.”
Rhoden may be new to the national scene, but in Meridian, she’s already considered a local star. In 2023, she won the talent competition at the Jimmie Rodgers Festival, a contest that has seen the likes of Elvis Presley, Faith Hill, and Randy Houser compete.
You can keep up with Rhoden’s journey on American Idol every Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.
