5 Things To Know About Ava August, 'American Idol' Contestant

DANA POINT, CA — Ava August is often touted as the youngest contestant ever on "American Idol," but there is so much more to this Orange County teen than that.

Idol judges of Season 19 called her an "old soul," said that she sings way beyond her years and, as Paula Abdul said, her voice "is recognizable within the first two notes."

This week, she sang her rendition of a Queen ballad, "Love of My Life," to get her into the top 12. As of this report, nearly 275,000 people have watched the hauntingly beautiful performance, which you can view below.

But there is much more to this girl than meets the eye.

1. So Who Is Ava August?

August is a 15-year-old freshman at Dana Hills High School. She is self-trained, has a sound studio in her bedroom and used to sing at outdoor performances across south Orange County whenever she could. She loves her AP music theory class.

2. What Song Did She First Audition With On "American Idol" Season 19?

August's road to "Idol" was a long and winding one. She often performed for producers over Zoom until she received word she could appear in person. When she finally had the opportunity to perform before judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, her original tune, "Neighbor Boy," knocked them out of their collective chairs. She received a Golden Ticket straight to Hollywood. The song described her experience growing up in a California cul-de-sac.

The song has not yet been released, but August said she intended to share it and other original songs on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming platforms soon.

Her pop heartbreaker "Daybreak" is available on Amazon Music, Spotify and other online channels. "It's 'Romeo and Juliet' without the bad ending," she said.

3. Has Ava August Ever Been On TV Before?

Yes. She appeared on "The Voice" at the tender age of 13 and performed "House of the Rising Sun" in a blind audition before the judges. August performed for judges John Legend, Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. Not one of them turned their chair around for her. Still, they offered her some classic advice. One year later, she sang the national anthem at a Los Angeles Kings game.

4. Which Artists Inspired Ava August?

She loves soulful pop tunes and anything "Billboard." Her inspirations include Adele, Shawn Mendez, Ed Sheeran, the Beatles and Julia Michaels. The list is growing given the mentorship she's received on Season 19 of "American Idol."

5. Can I Follow Ava August On Social Media?

You can find her on the following channels! And "Daybreak" can be streamed on Spotify and other music channels.

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube

Don't forget to vote for the top 12 "American Idol" contestant on ABC. "Idol" next airs Sunday at 8 p.m. PDT.

Read also:

Ava August on 'American Idol' Top 24 Solo, Duet With Josh Groban

Orange County Teen Ava August's Hollywood Performance Airs Sunday

Ava August, Dana Point Freshman, Shines On American Idol