American Idol Judges Blown Away By Weston Singer

WESTON, MA -- A Weston woman is advancing to the next level of American Idol, after the three judges gave her rave reviews and approval during her audition.

Sonika Vaid, who grew up in Weston and lives in Martha’s Vineyard, appeared on the kickoff to American Idol’s final season, singing for judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban.

The three were blown away by Vaid’s rendition of “Look at Me” by Idol winner Carrie Underwood. The performance aired Jan. 6, with auditions in Denver and Atlanta.

“You know, you sang beautifully,” said Connick, Jr. “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.”

“You didn’t stack it with a bunch of clever runs,” said Urban. “You emoted it.”

The three easily passed her through to Hollywood, the next stage of the competition.

Vaid told Fox 25’s Sara Underwood that the first time she remembers performing was at three year’s old, singing ”You Are My Sunshine” at her sister’s birthday. Locals have had a chance to see Vaid sing in the park and school functions.

“She is the sweetest girl, and sings beautifully even at 9 a.m. in school. All my votes for Sonika Vaid,“ wrote Carol Foley Beal, one of dozens of comments on Vaid’s Facebook page.

American Idol airs next on Fox on Jan. 13. Watch clips and find the schedule here.