American Idol Hopeful, Weston Native Sonika Vaid Advances With Ariana Grande Cover

By Jason Claffey (Patch staff)

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

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 her original audition. “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 (Credit Michael Becker/FOX)