Is she the next Catie Turner? Meet Leah Marlene | American Idol Audition Story 2022

20-year-old Leah Marlene blew judges away with her American Idol audition of Steal my girl by one direction. Marlene was born in Toronto, Canada but grew up in Normal, Illinois where she currently lives.
Leah began performing around her hometown around the age of 10. By the age of 13, Leah was releasing her own original music. As a freshman in high school, Leah began to make regular trips to Nashville to write, record, and perform new music. In 2018 she released an EP called “Arrow”.
In 2020 she self-produced an album called “The Space Between.” After graduating High School, Leah attended Belmont University in Nashville where she spent two years studying songwriting before returning home to work on her new album. In September of 2021, Leah was named one of five winners of the SOCAN Foundation’s Young Canadian Songwriters Award for the song spacesuit from “The Space Between” album. Eager to release her new music, she started a Kickstarter campaign in December of 2021 to help fund the production of the new album. Leah explained she wanted to have more collaboration on her new album and she raised more than $10,000 exceeding her original $8500 goal.

[@lorilacy7187]

Leah Marlene is my favorite and I really believe she could very well win! She is a amazing singer/songwriter! Will be voting for her all the way. Also from Central Illinois. Keep voting for Leah!

[@druizsr]

Hell yes she has what it takes to win American Idol! She has my vote!

[@inthegreen32]

I'm not a bit surprised by America's appeal for Leah. I've had the pleasure of watching her develop over last several years here in my hometown of Normal. I'm beyond proud to say "I knew her when..."

[@tmarie1403]

She got in cause who her father is

[@chancewittner5771]

@@tmarie1403 why is she still in?

[@Lettajmusic]

Leah was one of my absolute favorite auditions!!! I think she has what it takes to go far even beyond American Idol results.

[@juliovitolo5356]

Leah is exceptionally talented, a gifted writer and wonderful vocalist. She has an impressive ‘brand’ …. Extremely creative, She has it all.

[@barbaraedelmann3537]

Yes. Leah is so talented and genuine. She has her finger on the pulse of true feelings.

[@juliovitolo5356]

Extremely creative beyond her vocals and energy

[@richarddodge9592]

She should be one of the favorites to win American Idol ABC 2022

[@xy257]

One of the most talented performer ever on American Idol.

[@franshaw8242]

She is so good , unique and delightful!!! She has my vote and I hope she wins!

[@pennyhouser4637]

Absolutely I do, she is mature and knows the music industry the sky is the limit lastly I love her sweet spirit.

[@pennyhouser4637]

She is my choice for the winner!

[@belledcat7249]

YES 101% She is authentic AMERICAN IDOL. She is her own style and gifted talented and very smart , writing and arranging her own songs WOW. She is like the CAROL KING of 2020s and BEYOND. I love her and FRITZ. I think she is OVER Catie. She is her own style LEAH MARLENE you are out of this world one of a KIND singer song writer, your voice is very pleasant and I can listen to you none stop. LOVE LOVE LOVE all of YOU Leah Marlene!

[@belledcat7249]

LEAH MARLENE is my VOTE. My American IDOL 2022

[@chriscarter225]

O yeah, with. That voice it's beautiful. Goodluck and God bless 🙌

[@rolandoanes7596]

Yes she does she's so unique and has such great talent for her is like riding a bike

[@sfholmstrom]

Definitely top ten (and/or top 5)!

[@singinsis42]

She is amazing

[@dougwheeler4549]

I see this girl winning or being runner up. Fun, energetic and upbeat. No sappy crying in your beer songs, no finding yourself songs. Just her take and talent on remixing some all time favorites. And then she writes her own. Plays instruments. After a year of Chinas Covid onslaught, a hammered economy and the laughing stock of the world political three ring circus the Country needs something that's not doom and gloom, not crying in your beer head on the table honky tonk, and even worse a Whitney wanna be. This girl has it and I hope she stays on track and true to her style and what she is. Great voice, effortless guitar playing and entertaining without freaking out over nerves. Not waving any hardship, overweight, in search of gender, drug, alcohol, parent divorce homeless B.S. Just a real talent taking care of business and having fun doing it like a true professional.

[@allenbennett4506]

Well said.

[@AudreyC379]

Yup, one of my favorites to win. 🙂 Although like most of these contestants, she's sure to go far whether she wins or not. Also as a side note, (and I know full well that this isn't a beauty pageant by any means), she's actually really pretty but it becomes hidden away underneath a lot of her eccentric clothing style and her number of hats, such as with the earlier parts of the show.

[@brianchapman3041]

She is the winner !!! I predict 😬

[@lesha1492]

She's good enough to win but she'll be pushed out by either Hunter Girl or Josh. She's got a really bright future and was on her way anyway before AI reached out to her. Gorgeous vocals. Lovely girl.

[@pamcox6565]

Leah, you are awesome. Love your voice and perky personality. I believe you can win America idol, but if for some reason you don't I have no doubt you're going to have an outstanding career.

[@brianchapman3041]

Absolutely the best !!!

[@Royelsworth]

i would like Leah Marlene and Catie Turner do a duet togeather

[@TnL-nt2kd]

I feel I my heart she will win. I just love her heart

[@kelisblonde1]

She is a gift

[@vinny2825]

No she's the next Leah Marlene.

[@MM-km5zf]

how can this girl not have a record deal yet, and the other girl you left American Idol early apparently got a record deal😮

[@stockinvestment2011]

The other girl got a deal because of her looks not her voice. Trust me that girl won't go anywhere and will be dropoed as well

[@MM-km5zf]

@@stockinvestment2011 the other girl is pretty but I don't think she is drop dead gorgeous...oh well...such is life

[@stockinvestment2011]

@@MM-km5zf I know she is not but to them she is the whole package. She the look already on top of have a mediocre voice

[@sbrose3776]

Catie is charming.

[@susannepanucci2605]

Amazing talent! My favourite is Heal by Tom Odell

[@ilyprg]

Yes! She defenitely has what it takes to be the AI winner but she is contending against my favorite this year which is Fritz Hager! I am sure she will have a successful carrier regardless, they both will!

[@phyllistackett395]

Yes Fritz winner and Leah's second

[@berighteous]

So she's a ringer.

[@alkennedy1124]

Yes her and Casey bishop if they both go on the show , !,, , !!! (: thanks buddy BigAl California praise Jesus Christ grace amen amen 🙏

[@kat6737]

I don't think she is anything like Catie. Catie was awkward and weird to the point of making me uncomfortable. Leah is outgoing and quirky, but way more relatable and likeable. She also knows when to tone it down and hone in unlike Catie.

[@jimmymacnutrition6628]

She is way better than Katie Turner.