Alejandro Aranda: Will This Shy Street Performer Be The Next American Idol?

[@Kamtheman1]

I still come back and watch this every now and then - this has to be the best Idol audition ever. If you’ve ever picked up an instrument or done anything kind of singing, you know how talented this guy is to just teach him self this.

[@jcims]

Same man. I love it.

[@icemonsters20]

Well unfortunately he didn't, he went to school for music. Still immensely talented and so original, he should've won the season. And never sold out despite the immense pressure to do so.

[@King-Arctic]

“I don’t think I’m special I’m just hard working” Dudes humble and talented!

[@jesuschimney5883]

He said "im pretty cool" . Wtf is wrong with you all . Humble? Nah . Cocky muppet

[@godkenneth4446]

Jesus Chimney i don’t know if this is a troll comment but you definitely don’t know the definition of cocky. If he said “I’m gonna win American Idol because I am most talented musician on this show,” that is your definition of “cocky muppet”.

[@bumbabeef]

@@jesuschimney5883 When Lionel Richie asked if your self taught, He said Ya self taught, he said he was always nervous but pushed himself on the street and said it's been pretty cool.

[@Cpt_Dave]

I don't think he has any talent for the moves though.

[@Yemi.archives]

@@Cpt_Dave then go n perform

[@caligirlinwv2350]

This is the all time best American Idol audition. Alejandro is a musical genius. He's next level!

[@aaroncortez8623]

I 2nd this , will never be another him ….. sup hommies

[@JT-wu2if]

@@aaroncortez8623 huh?hommies?

[@logonscaper7197]

Man Phillips Philips audition was legendary breaking guitar strings

[@brandonrice2833]

I used to lean toward OG vocalists, but this is mad impressive.

[@Alejuandro.6500.]

Realy

[@eybiabelaida5101]

Still my favorite audition. LEGEND! Admit it! No one else audition like Alejandro! Dude is crazy talented!

[@1105renrut]

Couldn’t agree with you more.

[@ivanichianus]

This audition pops in my head a few times a year - can’t believe it’s been 4 years already, wow. It’s a shame that Alejandro isn’t more of a household name by now, such a talented guy

[@danishkhalid9193]

Politics .

[@dingleberryOZ10]

Same I love it. This one and Trent Harmon’s audition

[@JackJack-cg4ko]

Same

[@DavidRodriguez-gl5pn]

The majority of people don’t know what talent really is, or realize how power can make anyone a “celebrity”

[@chasemcintyre6806]

He’s not really that interesting of an artist, yeah he’s got cool skills but the music is not something that is fun to listen to, I’m not gonna play this stuff on the way to the beach lol come on y’all stop with the fake “you don’t know what talent is” shit! To be a good talent you need to be able to make some feet tap or some hands to sway!

[@stockinvestment2011]

This is a humble guy with an amazing voice that deserve to go far.

[@stockinvestment2011]

@@adambrass4015 I could say that just about every performers out there too not just him.

[@stockhome9596]

I agree

[@mihiwijesundara7793]

He sure did go far

[@aevababcook2100]

He deserved to win smh

[@caitlingarnish8474]

I dont think his voice is anything good at all... hea a very very Talented MUSICIAN .. guitar, Piano... but he cant sing... thats why he didnt win ..

[@arod68993]

Does anyone realize how hard that guitar riff was?

[@trenken]

It's VERY similar to the stuff Dave Matthews plays. It sounds super inspired by a lot of the things he does on the guitar, I would be surprised if this guy wasnt influenced by him at some point.

[@MrKingvanilla83]

I do. I play guitar and I’ve tried that style of playing and it’s so much harder than normal people realize. Hes probably my favorite American idol contestant of all time.

[@sinjon]

Dude is ridiculously talented and he is self taught! what?

[@nicolearanci2573]

Luke does haha... his face

[@bal2130]

Haha DMB is a very average guitar player, he even admits it himself. Maybe you're thinking of Tim Reynolds, the super talented guitarist that plays with Dave

[@brucewilson1958]

Playing the guitar with that much distinction and precision, and self taught, is highly rare. But, he also makes the piano sing. Writes very well. And sings uniquely and beautifully. What a special package. Bravo.

[@Sheychan]

To add, doing it while singing amazingly.. extremely rare.. 1 out of 10 millions Id say

[@klararamos9893]

He will forever be the greatest American idol audition ever ♥️

[@chasekirkley4396]

I am 24 years old, and I’ve watched this dude’s audition countless times in the last 3 days. He just seems SO humble, so laid back, but honestly, something inside of me feels like he STILL doesn’t think he’s good enough, or have the courage you think he’d have by now after all of this praise and acknowledgment of how truly talented he is. I couldn’t agree more with the comments of people stating that he is a literal musical genius. I LOVE music, and something about the way this guy plays it, as well as sings it, hits me in a way that nothing else ever has. He is just insanely great… it’s scary to be honest.

[@edgararmando7570]

You need to hear then Hendrix .

[@kd6920]

Luke is just rethinking his entire career when this dude plays

[@cindipossidento5688]

KD I think Luke was like... ummm. I wish I could do that !!!

[@skorp12]

And Lionel was inspired... he might actually work full time again lol

[@demekonrn]

Shiiiiid I'm rethinking my 17yr nursing career, my decision in continuing to live in the south, why I decided to not have children, why I never married & if I should start voting. Dammit Alejandro.

[@sue2445]

@@demekonrn This is the funniest response I've ever read. 😆

[@jaylynn444]

demekonrn YES, you should start voting! ✌🏼

[@adamt16888]

Pure raw talent! His answers to Katy's questions were just... Wow

[@MXsnoopfr0g]

That fingerwork on the fretboard is MINDBLOWING with that voice. Anyone who plays guitar respects the hell out of this talent.

[@thomtompkins9696]

the greatest talent ever to grace the American Idol stage. One in a million.

[@peteinthedesert7082]

Katy: "I think you're an absolute genius." Luke: "I don't even want to see anybody after him..." Katy: "I quit." Lionel: "We're the lucky ones..." Best reactions ever on an AI audition, and Alejandro was arguably the most talented performer on AI

[@sammyjays8270]

Omg I keep coming back to his original audition 😍😍🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐⭐⭐🌟🌟🌟

[@veronicahernandez851]

Me too !! 👏👏

[@republicanrule]

Me three. Lost count.

[@friskyguy00]

Lel...same

[@howz1706]

Same. I have him on Spotify but still come back to hear this version. Love it.

[@Zenobiadream]

Omg. What a musician!! A quietly humble young man. Gifted

[@yoshitravelsjapan]

He's crazy talented! "One-in-a-biilion" kind of talent! If he doesn't win my hope for music is gone

[@Bob-kq1hw]

He will win, but maybe not American Idol. Not sure he has the "personality" for the show.

[@cindipossidento5688]

KlaUDiO Yoshi Mine too !!!!!!

[@kyanne11]

Here's to hoping he DOESN'T, so that he's not tied to their damn contract and he gets the exposure he needs to be signed elsewhere...

[@gloriawilliams1030]

KlaUDiO Yoshi he’s already won. American Idol cannot put this guy in a box.

[@lucaro33]

so everybody needs to vote!! the only way to help him to win

[@geraldasiedu]

This guy changed American Idol. Now a lot of unique and original talents are in Idol than previous seasons. That’s what I think.

[@robertgarcia6140]

You are so right! I used to see clone of one another all the time. I stopped watching, i was so glad to see Alejandro. Yes, he changed Idol and upped the ante!! Thanks AA!

[@geraldasiedu]

@@robertgarcia6140 thanks for your comment.

[@tomast0m4_s5]

song ?

[@eloiseharris2014]

I just watched this again years later. Still brilliant 👏🏾 My favorite audition.

[@screeech1]

On one of his post on Instagram on March 4, he said "I still get embarrassed by the way I look And the way I act. Learning to be more positive" It kinda touched / broke my heart. I love this guy the way he is. He is beautifully unique. I love his shyness and humbleness. He and his music is easy to connect too. Love this guy! Alejandro, You are EVERYTHING special and beautiful.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Can’t stop watching this. The look on Luke’s face gets me every time. Soooo good!

[@TheDarkVirusx]

Now this is a true talent that sets him self apart from a average good singer, incredible musician with a distinct voice

[@micheledean4312]

Yes. it's not his incredible range ......its his unique voice...self taught AMAZING instrument talent ( I mean he was like I haven't played the piano in a while I will try and then like ...what?) If that is being unprepared on piano.....wow.... he wote those songs.....yes that kid is SPECIAL and that guitar riff.....MY GOD

[@nickyvtown]

What’s crazy is he hasn’t even reached his full potential

[@jujuthegym4435]

4 years later he is still my favorite oh the time has flown by😢❤

[@NeekaDaWeirdo16]

His shyness and smile are absolutely adorable! Omg the humbleness of this man and his unbelievable talent is going to take him so far if it hasn’t already! I hope he won!! 😭❤️❤️❤️

[@emeldafernando9193]

Alejandro he’s going places with his amazing gift in voice , instruments and writing songs. Wow what a full package artist in the making. Surely he will great in a band touring.

[@johnvega3791]

Luke’s face was priceless like “HOW THE HECK IS HE DOIN THAT??”

[@seanwallace89]

This is one of the best performances I've ever seen in my life, let alone an audition. Dude is a savant

[@chasemcintyre6806]

😂😂😂😂 okay!!!!!……..

[@JurgenHomola]

I've NEVER been as impressed! THIS IS PHENOMENAL!!! A GENIUS!!!

[@jasoncollin6042]

This is the most humble and very talented I 0:12 seen so far Thanks brother for your influence ❤😊

[@troibltn3535]

The fact that he has so much more originals is crazy. Watch him win playing originals only

[@Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa669]

Does idol let you win with originals? Emo music is on live t.v. yes.

[@WallyLinebarger]

I've been thinking about that... He needs to open the live performances with something amazing, that is a cover, but done in his way that blows us away. That is how he will catch all of those who haven't gotten on the Alejandro Wagon like us, yet. Once he has the whole world's attention, he can work in his piano, then pound us with his originals. Remember, not everyone watching is as cool as we are! lol

[@OldWorldNY]

His first performance gave me chills... his second one made me want to cry. You ever witness true beauty and find yourself in tears? That was me just now. This cat is a beautiful soul 🔥🖤

[@KiLLJOY1056]

This still hits hard af

[@stevenmcmeikan]

I keep coming back to listen to this amazing performance and the expression on Luke Bryan's face doesn't get any less funnier haha! Alejandro is incredible!

[@LipeeBarros]

Me too. Its so good that he looks disgusted

[@MISNM0]

💯💯💯💯❗

[@boazpatlur2]

At 1:07 - his verses finger plucking is soo talented causes he’s plucking, playing a syncopated time, playing a slight snare drum rhythm & playing bass all at the same time. He can differentiate the different percussions, bass & lead melodies by palm muting & keeping the bottom of his palm on the higher pitch strings & letting the bass notes hold a sustain.

[@LargestClassifieds]

I come back countless times to enjoy his performances. Who else disappointed he didn't win the 1st place?

[@laurenlaurenlaureify]

He didn’t get caught up in a lame contract

[@yvonnemendez3075]

Me too he's a real humble great talent

[@robertgarcia6140]

I get really inspired and come back and see Alejandro and he kicks my butt everytime! He is NO clone of anyone else !

[@russlupky3505]

If he won that would be another name on a plaque or a wall...NOT WINNING WAS THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO HIM

[@samtabby8930]

Not as disappointed as this edited version of this video. I love, love, love this entire audition, it's one of my favorites. I can do without Seacrest at the end. Honestly cut him out and show more Alejandro.

[@Albertdo-0109]

Totally talented...undeniable finalist this year. His talent is on another level comparing to other competitors... "I have not played in a minute" and then boom, some sort of Mozart class on the piano appears. This guy is a humble, talented, incredible artist with a distinct voice

[@micheledean4312]

THATS WHAT I SAID!!!!!!!😎

[@Tawadeb]

Bach and Chopin are his heroes?? 🥰

[@amg3021]

People remember how u make them feel, even if they cant remember what you look like. He will be remembered always for his style and smile and the way he makes us FEEL!! He should be LOUD AND PROUD!!

[@xondhanxomadhan9685]

Once in a lifetime artist. I am glad that i got chance to hear his first raw unedited songs.

[@Tronman2020]

This audition is a moment in time I didn't want to end. Absolutely extraordinary humans!!!

[@JackJack-cg4ko]

This audition impacted my feels so much, I'm still falling for it to this day.

[@Alyybabe1]

Still listening to this 2023, there is no doubt in my mind that hes a musical genius

[@1105renrut]

I couldn’t agree more. Now why isn’t his music being played everywhere? It certainly should be.

[@steventyler18]

I haven't tuned in for a few years. I'll be back to follow Alejandro.

[@rocdeca77]

exactly my sentiment.

[@Maytember]

Hahha me too! Haven’t watched since Kelly Clarkson lol

[@ronnieventura4761]

I’m on the same boat, going to follow just for Alejandro.

[@barnpicks8884]

He has gone through a lot in his life What a Beautiful human being His music set him free from isolation, loneliness and pain I salute you homie!

[@duranduran5422]

I can´t remembrer how many times I have seen this video, and I still love it!

[@willellis502]

Hearts got a little bit softer in this world because of this guy man. He’s awesome.

[@alexandervue9464]

Preach

[@Toni_kitty2309]

So true!!

[@mubeenah7883]

yesssss fell in love even more !!!!!! ❤️💕 once again a genius and star in the making . I’m even more moved and inspired 😭😭 what a light and beautiful humble soul . this is the type of artistry to heal and change lives . ❤️ God bless dude !!! I’m so exciteddddddddddd for youu .

[@brendarodriguez6693]

I totally agreed, I felt soooo moved and blessed listening to him very inspiriting, he is a truth artist, very refreshing! Ahhh love it! 🙌🏼

[@rebekah4679]

His guitar playing is gold...the movement of his fingers🙆‍♀️

[@jimmyswag5794]

Not even kidding about how in another level this guy is. Not only instrument wise but writing and vocally. This guy is gonna blow up regardless of winning idol or not. Guaranteed he tours with the likes of John Mayer or someone like him.

[@EthanRom]

does have a John Mayer esque tone to him

[@ryazanmina351]

I can't remember how many times I watched this legendary audition of Alejandro 😆

[@mohammedlotfi2952]

I keep coming back to listen to his beautiful and unique song and voice Genius really

[@UrsulaRistauSchaefer]

Beautiful song that reflects his humility and genuine character. What a talent !!!

[@maddielefty]

Alejandro: "I havent played in a minute." Plays piano like Mozart 🎶🎹🎶

[@ajroks123]

He literally meant tht

[@harperqueen6086]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAH

[@davidmonroy8239]

jajajajajaja True

[@jong-jongspeaks4224]

He meant 60 seconds.

[@roblee1410]

He don't need american idol. He got his voice out. I know this was a year ago did he get signed

[@ripwesbryant]

I just love how humble he is, and stays throughout the entire competition. He's my pick. Every time I listen to this I get full body chills

[@Joethechin-hd9sj]

Hands down the best audition I’ve every heard.

[@angelrubio5355]

I’m still having the same reaction every time I’m watching this video. My skin hurts, dry throat, watery eyes and very emotional 😢 This guy is a gifted!!!!! Amazing

[@mariaalejandra9486]

I LOVE Everything about him!!! Amazing true talent right there!! May the universe take you to great places Alejandro 💕

[@aloverofstories]

He is so inspiring! And so so talented. He's such a great example of humility.

[@joedragon8245]

I feel katy perry was testing his humility and ego with those direct questions.. Was glad to see a young dude grounded.

[@jobbailon2951]

She's thirsty

[@EisenbergFlavour]

Katy Perry was just as cringy as everyone expected her to be... she did really like him but that "I think you're the winner" was just a controversial statement she wanted to headline with

[@avirose6]

Katy Perry doesn’t even write her own music, she couldn’t keep her marriage with Russell Brand, and she has made a mockery of herself countless times on American Idol. I’m an Australian girl, and I don’t believe she has the talent to critique Alejandro. Lionel Ritchie was blown away, and I trust him more that bubblegum pop Perry. Grow up Katy Perry!!!! Long Live Alejandro!!!!!!

[@avirose6]

He’s a dishwasher, he has had severe depression. He’s the most humble, self-taught musician I’ve witnessed in my 37 years. He IS grounded. He doesn’t need Katy Perry to tell him how it is. He is a genius.

[@romelloalizaeeepperson3492]

I think she was just trying to boost his confidence

[@thepetitevoyager]

2021 - New Season of American Idol but still definitely getting back to this man

[@cicei7469]

Exactly i just watched some other auditions but always come back to alejandros lol

[@sythan2000]

Man! Still jamming out loud today

[@GINA61]

I was truly touched by this guy. I played his audition back at least 10 times. A prodigy for sure if that is indeed when he picked up music. He deserves to be famous. I just hope he doesn't get swallowed up by the masses. His unassuming and humble attitude is what even makes him more special. Love him! I hope he does well. I will be rooting for him.

[@cindipossidento5688]

Gina Gedler I agree 10000%. 🥰🥰🥰

[@Angelitasdemo]

He is amazing! I can't wait to see him perform again.

[@mpresidente1]

Alejandro sos increíble, mire tu video 20 veces porque no puedo creer el talento musical que tienes y espero legues hasta la final. Saludos desde Argentina

[@DiegoMeister7]

MAURO PEREZ DUPONT brother para mi es el mejor, es un genio, yo soy pianista y me encanta el fingerpicking en la guitarra siempre deseé encontrar un artista completo con esos dos instrumentos y arreglos, con una voz cálida y con un ritmo que sea alegre y melancólico al mismo tiempo, este por fin salió a flote, espero que el gane veré todas sus presentaciones y tiene muy buenas canciones originales en KZbin es un genio, compositor, cantante y un excelente músico fuera de otro mundo, saludos desde Peru 🇵🇪

[@garciafamily5041]

Alejandro eres El numero 1 ninguna Duda

[@Saltysherp]

My all time favorite audition

[@vidaboo4670]

March 2021 and I still love him.!!!!

[@simplyepicaudioengineering001]

Brother!!! You are simply amazing. With the right guidance and production you could have a lifelong career in the music business. Hello and much love from from Miami, Florida. Our jaw hit the floor here in the studio when we heard you.

[@sheyennepeterson2120]

OMG Alejandro is a really Unique vocalist !!!

[@LM_Author]

He has such great talent. I was very impressed and hope he goes far. So good. Great voice and audition. 🙌👏☺

[@muichiro-kun14]

Damn, it's been 2 years and keep coming back. Homie still giving me goosebumps.

[@chrismedina1478]

This performance makes me want to cry!! Its so good and was still in the making

[@r.ancheta4700]

This guy have a Amazing voice . He is unique simple guy.👍👍

[@monicagarcia7677]

I have literally watched this episode of Alejandro too many times . ,bc I love the judges faces . CAPTIVATING DEFINITELY A GENIUS

[@withpeacelove366]

THAT WAS EVERYTHING! LOVE THE VOICE! LOVE THE GUITAR! like damn that guitar was so crazy. LOVE THE SONG! LOVE THE VIBES! He's already recording artist level.

[@Richard-c7f]

That was the greatest American idol audition of all time.

[@CynDivine1]

I never heard this audition from him...goosebumps...he clearly had something right from the jump!

[@smg3253]

Cynthia, Alejandro uses his stage name: Scarypoolparty on all social media and music platforms. He has a lot of music in many different genres out right now, but he’s releasing a 21 song double album (11 songs with orchestra) on 8/27. So exciting!! This album will include music most similar to what he performed on American Idol. Follow and subscribe to Scarypoolparty aka Alejandro Aranda so you don’t miss out on new music and concert info. 🤩😉

[@erctla387]

Their reactions say it all. Such an awesome audition.

[@TheKasiboo]

Im in love with his voice and his song😻😻😻😻

[@nicolasastorga7223]

year 2070.. I´m still watching everyday this audition trying to understand how he plays the guitar... amazing.

[@ThePeak-bk4uj]

yeah man I'm still in 2020 and keepin watch it

[@brianb8830]

If you watch closely he's picking the intricate parts with both hands, kind of like EVH only picking instead of tapping. Incredibly hard.

[@أحمدخالد-ص4ع4غ]

@@brianb8830 it's not really that hard at all. Alternate finger picking is a medium skill level. People just like to bandwagon and make up whatever. No offense though. If you played the guitar you would know what you're talking about.

[@preachinghumanity1669]

Looking at him makes me cry. He's love. So humble, the only celebrity I wanna sit down and chat with. Alejandro my man you are an example for all of mankind. I love you.

[@Janney3791]

Omg.. what a genius musician.. and he's so humble

[@smg3253]

Alejandro aka Scarypoolparty officially released his classic single “Poison” 8/13 Friday and it’s so good! AA’s 21 song double album (11 songs with orchestra) will be released 8/27. So exciting!! Follow and subscribe to Scarypoolparty (Alejandro’s stage name) so you don’t miss out on new music and concert info. He’s doing a Fall tour with X Ambassadors and will be doing some major festivals before then….Bonnaroo, Summer Camp to name two.

[@Janney3791]

@@smg3253 - Wow.. thanks for all the info, I'll check it out and subscribe! God bless!!

[@ZombieQueen]

I was not expecting that. Wow his voice is amazing

[@megangillespie9709]

I think he’s going to win the competition all together, his voice is so pure and it is something that is so well put together and it’s just very amazing to see what he can do.

[@ThePomona123]

His very talented and also his repersenting my city Pomona CA hopefully he wins

[@Sam-ir2qs]

Always come back and watch this. Definitely one of the top best auditions.

[@nadinkarla2007]

I don't know how many times I've watched this audition. I really feel like American Idol 2019 was his concert and all the other contestants were his opening acts. 💙 Love ur music man!

[@larefran]

Fingerpicking like John Mayer. Hard style where he picks with his thumb and his index finger and hits with the middle, ring and little finger.

[@lewistougher337]

I love how excited Lionel gets its great

[@jtt9562]

2:36 the way he becomes happy steals my heart. ❤️

[@AkshayWalia]

I just keep watching this everyday still ❤️

[@TheGamingTubies]

I think it's the tone of his voice. It's somewhere so smooth and just special

[@claireosborne692]

This will ALWAYS be the best audition of all time ❤️ x x

[@terrylawrence8362]

I've got goosebumps 😳 what a very sweet humble soul Alejandro ❤

[@hugo-fn2hr]

April 2020 , love his all originals anyone during lockdown

[@connorgagnon603]

hugo craft still coming back to listen to this my guy. Downloaded all his music too

[@anthonyrosario-7891]

I just watched all of his performances and had to come back to the start to feel it all over again!

[@khenan]

i'm still enjoying this clip yrs later. proof that passion and hard work pays off.

[@jzynblgs]

I want him to win. He's so cute and shy. He seems to have a beautiful soul and such a musical talent. 🎶🎼

[@dopvmine_p]

This guy is a unicorn... songwriting, arrangement, instrument skills, singing, voice, demeanor, energy...... sooooooo dope.....

[@sirsir9665]

That's some Prince type stuff doing all that

[@abc5456]

Humble and talented!!! Go Alejandro win this show!!!

[@lupessaltypilates8475]

Every time I see this I cry. so amazing.

[@LorentzTsuchiya]

“Whats up homies” had me dying😂😂