Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO
Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO
Micaela McCall, who grew up in Centerville, punched her ticket to Hollywood on Sunday’s Season 22 premiere of “American Idol.”
The 28-year-old voice and piano teacher now living in Santa Barbara, California wowed judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan with an unexpected reimagining of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).” Stepping away from the song’s traditional, upbeat groove, McCall opted for a slower, soulful ballad approach that showcased her skillful musicianship.
Interestingly, McCall was invited by “American Idol” to audition. Noozhawk, an independent publication in Santa Barbara, reported the show discovered McCall’s viral rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Misérables” which she performed in a parking garage. Knowing McCall was a busker spoke volumes for Perry, a Santa Barbara native and former busker.
“I know exactly what it feels like to busk on those streets and be a background singer and get paid in avocadoes,” Perry said. “All it took was one person to see me and all of a sudden my life was changed.”
“I Dreamed a Dream” is a personal throwback for McCall, the daughter of longtime Dayton Daily News reporter Ken McCall. She didn’t get the role of Fantine in Centerville’s 2014 production of “Les Misérables” but her “Idol” exposure can be considered a redemptive victory.
As for her winning rendition of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” the judges gave her a standing ovation and high praise.
“I’ve never heard that song done that way,” Perry said.
“Who the hell beat you out of the ‘Les Mis’ part?” Bryan exclaimed. “You just sing — it’s so free. I don’t know why you haven’t already had a massive amount of success.”
“I know what happened,” Richie said. “The universe was saving her for us.”
“American Idol” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
About the Author
Russell Florence Jr. is team leader/coordinator of Lifestyles/Dayton.com. He has been an arts/lifestyles reporter for Dayton Daily News since 2012. He formerly served on the Dayton Daily News Community Board of Contributors and assisted the Dayton Daily News Editorial Board. He received his BA in mass communications from Wright State University.