American Idol Hopeful, MV Resident Sonika Vaid Advances With Ariana Grande Cover

MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA — American Idol contestant—and Martha’s Vineyard resident—Sonika Vaid wowed the judges Wednesday with a cover of Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time.”

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Vaid is one of 51 contestants remaining heading into Thursday night’s show at 8 p.m.—at which point the field will be cut to 24.

Vaid, 20, has been declared an early favorite to win Idol, which is in its final season.

Vaid, who grew up in Weston and lives on Martha’s Vineyard, has drawn accolades from judges.

On Wednesday, the judges agreed her vocals were superb but said her physical performance could use work.

“You know, you sang beautifully,” said judge Harry Connick, Jr after Vaid sang “Look at Me” by Carrie Underwood in an earlier round. “That was a perfect performance. I was totally engaged. This was the only time this particular season that I saw somebody that I actually thought would win this thing. That’s a God-given voice.”

Photo: Sonika Vaid performing in front of American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez (left) and Keith Urban. (Credit: American Idol/FOX)