American Idol's Sonika Vaid is 'Safe'

WESTON, MA — American Idol contestant — and Weston native — Sonika Vaid impressed the judges again this week, singing Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound” on Wednesday night and a duet with former Idol Caleb Johnson on Thursday.

Vaid was one of the finalists moving forward from her group of 12.

“I was making some notes, and just thought, ‘What’s that sound,” said judge Keith Urban after Vaid’s performance of “Safe and Sound.” “Your voice is so good, Sonika. It just is.”

Next week, the second set of 12 get to perform for the judges on Wednesday, and then the finalists are pared to a final 14.

American Idol airs at 8 p.m. (ET) on FOX on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Vaid, 20, was 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, drew accolades from judges.

Last 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 FOX-TV)