Julia Gagnon: Found Her Birth Mother & Is Singing To Make Her Proud - American Idol 2024

[@midlifeadventures3138]

Winner or not! Ladies and gentlemen you just met Julia before she is famous. Congrats that was insane!

[@Apprentice777JetSet]

That is The Winner Right There ...

[@yxuen3051]

sorry. big voice singers could hardly win the show.

[@AmandaJYoungs]

But wait! Adam Lambert came second - and it was probably the best thing for his career that he did, too! It doesn't matter so much if she wins - it matters a great deal that she learns what her own musical voice is, that she uses her unique talent and probably that she is not shoe-horned into the kind of career that American Idol winners will have, at least while they are being produced by the show. I just want her to go far into the contest so that we get many opportunities to listen to that beautiful sound she has.

[@rocitaw]

Thiss sanger!!❤❤BEYOND!❤MEG❤❤SARAH❤❤

[@LVLexus]

@@yxuen3051 She's already won, regardless of the outcome!

[@robertantonnyc]

Saved the best for last. She sang the house DOWN. I did not expect the mastery, dynamics, power, deep well of emotion. Wow! Congrats, moms. Phenomenal - So You Wanna Be A Singer

[@cocochante6685]

She was great, but I felt like she needed better control of her vibrato, especially in the beginning

[@tamtam777]

outstanding voice...simply beautiful...

[@Rowdy-r2d2-John.3.16]

Guatemala is dangerous territory. Travel Advisory! Wouldn't go there if I were her. Send for Mom when funds are available, which should be soon, bcz that girl can sing!

[@duffelbagsmcgee9928]

Exactly

[@nmsoccer222]

Jordan Anthony is the best

[@Rio0444]

She sings cool. her Birth mom should be happy but her ADOPTED MOTHER ROCKS for helping her get this far.

[@JenShea]

Yes!! As an adoptee, I couldn’t agree more! And for her parents to have helped her find her birth family was very sweet. My Mum was always afraid of that… but those were different times and different circumstances.

[@delphiasheppard1062]

There other people like you. God bless you

[@Lommy9999]

She's an unbelievable singer!

[@tonodominguez4356]

Una le heredo el talento pero la otra le enseño a volar alto mucho más allá de sus capacidades Meg hizo el mejor trabajo. 😊

[@MautaRamírez]

No seas como los demás déjame desaparecer de tu vida Y eso pasará solo cuando ya puedas vibir sin verme

[@stevegarcia3811]

Oh my God she’s the greatest female Hispanic singer of all time. This performance brought me to tears. Her voice is super powerful, beautiful, special, one of a kind, amazing, and it sounded perfect and like a recording. She’s showing Latin Americans that when you dream big, truly believe in yourself, work and practice hard, we too can do very great things and become very great people as well.

[@flightlessdrone5734]

adopting a child from another country and raising them as your own has to be the second greatest gift you can give a child next to giving birth. shout out to her adoptive parents---- there really are some amazing people in this world.

[@shivtim]

Colonizer mindset

[@flightlessdrone5734]

@@shivtim 🤔

[@fatherpapa4666]

@@shivtimyo you know what’s crazy. Raising a kid and doing everything you could for them all your life just for them to commemorate a song to their mom who gave them up. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@fatherpapa4666]

@@cindyd.01 but why praise the deadbeat mom who gave you up and never looked for you. She had to hire a private investigator to find her mother like what. And all the sudden she gets all the praise. Idk SMH

[@cindyd.01]

@@fatherpapa4666 you're right the biological mother shouldn't get all the praise. But you don't know her story, she may have done the best she could at the time.

[@slingshot7774]

I just threw my shoe across the room! This young lady should go all the way to the finals!!

[@puffdaddy69]

*Luke Bryan looks over and nods*

[@jenniferliggett6385]

I about emptied out a whole DSW for that audition.

[@jenchristianrn1]

😂

[@ritasavage1313]

Jennifer Hudson does that when she was a judge on the voice

[@robinjones9610]

😂😂

[@KenziiThaBaddest]

I love how Luke didn’t forget the adoptive momma at the end too… I’m sure she’s doing it for both of her wonderful mothers in different ways 🥰 so amazing.

[@maria1122mcc]

That's what i thought, but it would be better if she also say that she's doing it also for her adoptive parents or family! Come on!

[@lindafrance9192]

@@maria1122mccI think she said she was doing it for her birth mother because she encouraged her to try out.

[@huzurdadi7988]

I agree @kenzi and @maria. Kudos to the adoptive parents who have been supportive and has shown unconditional love.

[@TrudiTrahanupchanOKRA]

I am 82 and have heard, listen to Aretha Franklin all my life & Julia blew my socks off! Both her, her story and her magnificent voice she is for sure no matter who wins will have an incredible career future ahead. Ain't nobody that I know of that can today sing like that!

[@testtest-ep7ps]

I with you on all of this. Great song and as Lionel said, most people won't even touch this song. She was excellent!

[@khalil7232]

Her singing alone has brought me to tears my gosh 😭😭

[@nayramarinho3762]

Eu chorei ❤

[@pamelakennedy2436]

Being from Maine, I ❤❤❤❤ her voice & story. She’s beautiful & amazing.

[@deitrawade1718]

I am 71 and I just love her voice and sincerity. Hope she wins. She’s the best since Kelly Clarkson.

[@enriquemolina3146]

Putting GUATEMALA on the map And I proudly say that!!!!

[@ShawnDorman-iu1dc]

And Maine! I’m beyond proud of her too! My friend was in a singing competition with her in Hallowell, Maine and I remember seeing her perform. She is amazing!

[@djsthemetereman]

Yeah she definitely did that she's one of kind

[@theskyisblue567]

❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@cynthiawilson8294]

The beauty of her tone, her soul, she is everything. I hope she wins.

[@jaelespinoza5062]

WOW!!! This was an idol moment ... Julia sang with such soul and power that it felt like Aretha herself was there on that stage ... EXCELLENT audition

[@HeartChannelInsights]

Yeah, an idol moment, def!

[@robertmiddleton7276]

She really did

[@yomamatoofat3418]

I like how the judges were looking at each other the moment she said she wanted to sing Aretha's song.. Amazing voice..

[@EdwardsNH]

Seriously. Lionel's face went from "I'm looking forward to hearing this young lady" to "Ugh! What was she thinking? She set the bar at 12 feet for her first jump". He sincerely looked disappointed when she said the song. And then... Bam!

[@CBLB112]

I love the shock factor ❤. Julia was amazing❣️

[@faustman1000]

Ha! They knew the voice REQUIRED for this song. They had to reasonably keep that in consideration.

[@JourneyWithNick]

The thing about this song is, it is pure soul. You can’t act and get by on this song, it’s either you got it, or you don’t. Julia, you have it and ARE PLENTY, so much so, there is no one like you. My family is praying for your heart to find inner peace, not money or fame. To Mr. Lionel when he said “did that come out of your mouth?!” No sir, straight from her soul. To Mrs. Sarah and Meg I hope you feel so proud! ❤

[@kevenadrien]

This was literally the best audition this show’s ever seen.

[@Millwrightwife]

I came here specifically for this voice. I wanted to replay this over and over. Her voice had me in tears. Every emotion needed to convey the message in that song was nailed. Her rendition will always be a fav. Wishing her so much joy and success

[@shuntagordon4454]

Yes 😢😢

[@GerriWritesAbit]

I played it over and over too!

[@scruffypupper]

She is this year's Iam Tongi. She has a soft, quiet temperament until she starts singing her little heart out. What a voice! Can't wait to see her next performance.

[@andrewhagan7788]

I like him but she's light years ahead of him vocally.

[@clewis3838]

100% agree. Absolutely amazing!

[@michelebergman4336]

Huge STAR!!!!

[@blaisehughes9174]

She's better

[@charliestellar5919]

Exactly what I was thinking! Hope she goes just as far! And more!

[@jewellocklear4340]

America, this is the winner of America Idol, 2024! Wow! Truly Amazing! Outstanding!

[@efrenmoreno3]

Her or Abby Carter tbh

[@kalodah]

Nya too ​@@efrenmoreno3

[@joaopaulofaria3166]

Ops alguém podem traduzir por fvr 29.03.24

[@anadevizcaino8904]

wow wow , I NEVER heard a Guatemalan singer as great as you Julia. You make our country proud

[@tonodominguez4356]

I think that everyone makes this version of Julia their own because of so much emotion that it gives, my skin crawled and my tears rolled down. Her interpretation touches the soul so much. Julia Gagnon is great. Seriously, yes.

[@nayramarinho3762]

Em mim tambem ❤

[@fugglie]

that audition reduced me to tears and it had nothing to do with the back story. she is totally amazing. hope the people get behind her on this journey

[@swfcindy]

HOLY VOCALS!! She is everything.

[@KarlJDMartin]

Clearly the winner this year. The story. The social media appeal. The attack. Her demeanour and oh my god, her voice! This season’s looking pretty good!

[@marciafuentes17]

Guatemalan people are some of the most beautiful souls in the world.

[@stopisraeligovofterrorists]

Dracuerdo contigo. Humildes, trabajadores y con un GRAN corazon. I BET HER MOTHER'S ARE SO PROUD OF HER. 👍

[@NomadinBroward]

Thanks 😊

[@valerieo2304]

This is so very kind of you, I’m so glad you have that impression from my Guatemalan people. 💕 Many blessings your way!

[@stopisraeligovofterrorists]

@@valerieo2304 OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FROM GUATEMALA ARE HUMBLE, KIND, AND HAVE A HUGE HEART.❤️ I'M FROM MEXICO AND FEEL SO PROUD OF THEM. (HARD WORKING PEOPLE) 🇲🇽❤️🇬🇹

[@Jsizzle6809]

It’s the Venezuelans that seem to suck…

[@sal4865]

When Lionel said “did that come out of your mouth” LIKE NOOO THAT CAME STRAIGHT FROM THE SOUL

[@emma_motema]

The way she sang ‘you’ was just incredible. The control! The way she dialled it down and made it delicate. Beautiful!

[@dswmnswrk]

THIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!!! I was how’d she do that!????!!

[@chelseahughes5771]

My favorite audition by far my winner pick right here ❤️❤️❤️

[@EdwardsNH]

Yeah, it would be really disappointing if she wasn't at least top 3

[@reba1300]

Just has to pick legendary songs like these, she'll win for sure. Force to ​be reckoned with@@EdwardsNH

[@hopechazz]

​​@@EdwardsNHI totally agree!

[@MrFloydSaunders]

That was a masterclass in how to take a classic and almost untouchable song and make it her very own and she absolutely slayed that song. Such a moving personal story. I have grandkids who were bullied in the school system and I am so glad she has a support system to encourage her. I will be listening to the audition the rest of the evening and watching everything she does this season. The judges doubted she could tackle a song like until she start and then she just blew them completely away. She left no doubt that she is a world class performer.

[@rwibutsoyvestvofficial6365]

Can’t agree more ♠️❤️♠️❤️♠️❤️♠️

[@juancito162]

Best comment here 💯#enoughsaid

[@ligiasoares502]

This audition and the Huntergirl auditions are the only 2 auditions ever that I replayed over and over and over. And these two young ladies are extremely natural talent. Love them❤ I have to be up at 5 am for work, but I am not going to bed until I hear Julia's performance tonight.😁

[@s.urdaneta694]

Everybody vote for her, please she needs us 🙏

[@peterdofferhoff2500]

That faded out falsetto is next level singing. ❤ Stunning beyond borders.

[@Gexxon]

JULIA YOU BLEW ME AWAY. I grew up on Aretha Franklin and that specific song was my mom's favorite. She played it every Saturday morning while cleaning the house, so i know it well. Your performance of it was PHENOMENAL. You got my support. Wow! Aretha was channeling herself through you without a doubt. You could see the doubts on the judges faces and mannerism's UNTIL YOU started singing and blew them and us away. I can't wait to hear what you sing next. Wow, just Wow! Unbelievable voice. Love ya Julia and good luck.

[@carlelleogden2533]

I’m like your momma! Cleaning generally got done better and faster with music. Took my kid to Red Rocks for HS graduation. We saw Tedeschi Trucks band. They closed the concert with I want to Take you Higher by Sly and the Family Stone. Making memories with the kid sure is fun. !! 🫶🎶🎤

[@gentlwords]

She DEFINITELY deserved the platinum ticket!!!

[@DiegoMorales-hc4sc]

Guatemalan 🇬🇹 living in Bc Canada 🇨🇦 . HUGE FAN LETS GOO!!!!

[@florencioandrade5853]

Guatemala presente apoyando bravo 🇬🇹🇬🇹👏👏👏

[@wayneamorris440]

Firstly, I've heard quality performances from numerous contestants; however, I've never heard such an amazing voice, perfect control & presentation as this young lady, Julia Gagnon. Having been around music my whole life, I would repeat what Lionel Richie said. Certain singers classical songs you don't touch, but Aretha Franklin would be pleased to hear how Julia not only did it justice, but made it her own. She is a winner & should be in a recording studio!! 🎧🎶♥️💛💚🎶

[@wayneamorris440]

I must admit, she brought lots of tears to my eyes listening to the delivery of the song.🤫❣️

[@aishahackett3388]

This is my pick, right here. I love her spirit, her beautiful voice and soul. She's definitely heaven sent to us. She just hasn't realized it yet. But she will!💗

[@HeartChannelInsights]

Yes 😊💗!

[@Jeden-bk3dt]

You were great

[@jillcarter9877]

My Maine sister tore the house down ❤🎉❤ one momma gave her a voice & the other gave her confidence & will!!

[@erindennis9881]

Goosebumps!!! Families are formed in all different ways, and the children you're supposed to have find their way you. Girl, you are right where you are supposed to be.

[@TheZairo1225]

Dang what a voice, she's already a winner to me

[@katiemusemeche2414]

Someone please get this girl’s birth mama on a plane to Hollywood. They deserve to be with each other!

[@edemontfort9482]

Yes, that's a sentimental thought but I'm not sure that's fair to the adoptive parents for her to come back into their lives. Her adoptive parents have been very generous so far but they raised her and shouldn't have to share her if that's how it turns out. They did all the work, gave her love and a good life and I just think it might be awkward for her biological mother to walk in at this point.

[@smcemc66]

If only it were that easy. No way that she would ever be given a visa by the US Government.

[@JennyLouLou]

​@@edemontfort9482its very natural to one's existence for them to question where they came from without having any disrespect to her adoptive mother whatever. When a parent chooses to adopt they take on the challenges thay come with this. Birth mom knew this day would come.

[@ronydiaz5574]

AMEN

[@joly3726]

Guatemala is a country with extreme poverty. There are many people who go help Guatemala 🇬🇹 and I thank them for what they do. We cant judge what we have not seen

[@amarioncarter898]

I think we have a winner👏🏽👏🏽

[@marceloalejandrodecon9538]

Agree

[@ZoOnTheYT]

Holy moly! When she said what song she was going to sing they all did the classic Simon response not expecting much. And tbf she's a quiet, reserved person. But then the part in her brain that switches to SANGER mode did it's thing. I think it's been a minute since Lionel was genuinely shook. That sealed it for me!

[@heathergalbraith7444]

When your body reacts you know its Gold

[@lah_bang2179]

LUKE... LUKE... that is such a BRILLIANT follow up "what is your adapted mother's name?". God bless you! #crying here

[@Will-um9cs]

And the winner of American idol 2024 is… Julia Gagnon ❤️

[@jonathanrocha2275]

I think so too. Top 10 is not enough

[@lgk4008]

Winning material!

[@dennismclaurin1487]

That wasn't a top 10 performance. It was a top 10 performance by Aretha Franklin. That's my favorite Aretha Franklin song

[@vernonlove7242]

I'll second that.

[@Apprentice777JetSet]

Indeed.

[@Master144.]

Winner of 2024 hopefully. I've never been soo moved to tears by a singer in the history of the Idol. Such mastery and she put her whole heart and soul into it. My God what a sweet and beautiful soul she has. Beautiful within and without ❤❤❤

[@Sheliaj2374]

yes !!

[@mermaidofaloha]

The last person to audition could win the show. Thank you God for holding the door open for this magical moment at this season of miracles. That voice is a gift from God & a blessing for our world. Beautiful, mind blowing, heavenly singing.

[@Guspenagt]

Guatemala presente y apoyándote 🇬🇹 🙌🏻

[@johnayala5551]

I don't usually cry but this hit me hard. She's talent overload. Just Wow

[@jacquelinebennett9416]

She had me all in the feels. I cried…just beautiful. She has a beautiful story. ❤️❤️❤️

[@22coconut]

I cried too‼️💕💕💕

[@ceewill8652]

She’s the only contestant in all these years whose voice rocked every sense in my body & soul I didn’t know could happen. ❤❤❤

[@joshuaamadeusishak1887]

She's very bold to sing a song by the legendary Queen of Soul. There's no way she's not going to Hollywood with that voice.

[@Goalsold]

Wow amazing voice! Birth mom should be very proud of this talent. Her real parents raised an amazing young woman. ❤

[@danielcifuentes7198]

Sometimes, when one is surfing thru KZbin, find amazing things....but this overwhelms me. I am from Guatemala and I am really greeted and pleased to see one of my people with a life in US and also singing like one of the great voices of the music. Well done my child, you deserve a bright future.

[@bethsewer5463]

I think this girl is so naturally beautiful 😍

[@snk1008]

She is why I still watch this show. Hoping her ALL the BEST!!!!!

[@johnjuicehealthy479]

That last girl was SO VERY GOOD and she is so humble too she will be in the top 10 🤩

[@bobbiewilliams1545]

What a powerful voice,she so amazing,she deserve to go all the way, outstanding talent

[@Luxie19]

I HAD GOOSEBUMPS FROM THE SECOND SHE STARTED SINGING!! IF SHE’S NOT THE WINNER I WILL BE SHOCKED.. ❤️❤️

[@badreddinekerrouche3935]

"Which one"😭 with a smile she's so Pure and Wonderful ❤️

[@ritalagunas764]

The spirit of Aretha is back....! Julia is The "Winner of American Idol!"❤ Julia is so humbled to be there. Being bullied is no freqing matter! Let's see who's laughing now? I pray for Julia.❤

[@HeartChannelInsights]

I'm speechless. What a voice! Rooting for her to go all the way!

[@jeremygallman5332]

Seriously... Chills from 3 seconds in and tears half way through. Get it girl! Beautiful job❤

[@monaengen7792]

Her voice gave me instant chills. She's fantastic! God bless her. I hope she can meet her birth Mom someday. Shame on those who bullied her when she was growing up. She is a beautiful person. God bless her adoptive parents.

[@davidmcveen7261]

I’ve been around for decades, and have heard tens of thousands of singers. SHE has something very, very magical about her. Tears started to flow before you finished your song. Amazing Technique and soul. She can easily join the Aretha, Celine, Whitney diva category with a little help with stage presence. She’s GOT IT! ♥️

[@testtest-ep7ps]

When I heard this young girl sing this song, I was completely blown away!!!!! I can hardly wait to hear her throughout the rest of the season. What a gift she has got and is giving. Thank you Julia and good luck. You've got this!!!! Congratulations!

[@testtest-ep7ps]

Yes, I also cried wiped the tears after picking my jaw up off the floor.

[@derekjeter2899]

She's a powerhouse, that was incredible.

[@kcostell]

So refreshing to hear someone who knows how to work dynamics. Not just the big notes in the middle, but the gradual build up there, and the pulling back afterwards.

[@connyrantung4789]

She’ll be The Next American Idol🙏🏼💜

[@lucijacusticluce4551]

You can tell that Lionel cannot express even half of the feels going through him.. so overwhelmingly layered and beautiful performance ❤️ One of the auditions you wish you could hear for the first time again.. can't wait to hear her in other songs ❤️

[@kenahartzog3401]

This young lady by far is the winner . She is amazing ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@patriciapursell6202]

She brought tears to my eyes. Very moving.

[@jennieyamartino4486]

Making us Mainers proud - what a gift of a voice 🩷

[@ligiasoares502]

Oh WOW! I wasn't really feeling this season until I heard Julia sing. This young lady is seriously gifted! Now I have to watch the rest of this season because she feels like the winner! Hopefully Julia will pick the right songs to showcase her talent best. Either way, this young lady is a STAR in the making! Rooting for Julia to win ❤

[@winniethepooh3542]

What a beautiful voice. I love her. Keep singing and much love

[@Ailurvs]

WHAAAAAAAAAT, she was the best of all the auditions, I hope she wins🥹

[@sebastianfisher957]

Fly HIGH! Prove that you're the next idol. What a voice. godly, and other worldly.

[@arch410]

I love when Katy asked what her mother's name, she said which one. They both have a very sacred space in her heart. And I love the judges referenced both. ❤ Julia has an amazing voice and I'm excited to see her do big things! 🙌🏼

[@johnarndt1501]

I just listened to her version of this on u2b and it was even better if you can believe it. ❤

[@patricklambert4311]

I don't comment on videos too often, BUT, let me start by saying that I'm shook! This young lady not only tackled and dominated one of the most difficult soul songs EVER, there is also something very special about her. I can't quite put my finger on it, but, my intuition is telling me that Julia Gagnon is going to go very far in her life. I can tell that there is something....magical, in her soul. No pretense, no artifice, just a humble, grateful and most definitely blessed person. And that voice! WHOA!! PERFECT pitch, extraordinary control and all done so, so effortlessly. Just simply captivating!

[@travpress]

Wow. One of the best auditions I have ever heard.

[@kwest5171]

Get that girl on a stage, STAT! Did anyone else cry? I cried. Goosebumps, so many goosebumps. Those vocal gymnastics had me feeling some kind of way.

[@intentress9812]

That was amazing! Both me and Richie said omg at the same time. I have never heard anyone sing like Aretha Franklin like that. You are truly talented.

[@cherylalt101]

That makes at least three of us who said Omg at that moment lol! Then I started crying. Good grief, she sang the hell out of that song! I'm so blown away by Julia and her sweetness and her huge emotion-filled voice! Can't wait to hear her again! My exclamation point is broken after this comment!!l

[@YDVDNVRR]

We’re three.

[@SuperArgento]

What a beautiful story. I cried a little bit 😢.... She is wonderful. ❤

[@codysmith4941]

Lionel is right, certain songs you just don’t touch, but man she knocked it out of the park. That was incredible. That girl has got some soul. Loved it.

[@SamanthaBarnes-p9g]

I love this for her! She has soul!! She is so special! I can’t wait to watch her blow up! Thanks for her birth mom for being so selfless and putting her first! Thanks for adoptive parents for needing a baby to love and raise! Both selfless acts of love! We need more people like this in the world! She is an amazing singer!

[@DesiLu4Life]

I've been bullied too, and honestly the hard times shaped me into who I am today! Beautiful voice!

[@beckyc3127]

I really appreciate the judges showing both her birth mom and her adopted mom honor.

[@jadeb2852]

This Girl is gonna Make Big things happen! She will be in her element noatter where she goes on life! She Put her foot in it and sang the house down!

[@-markizaguirre6239]

Hermosa voz, Guatemala está orgullosa de ti 🇦🇷💙

[@jcar1314]

🇬🇹🇬🇹**

[@teresastanley4486]

Chill bumps and tears. This girl is amazing ..wow fantastic pipes ...possibly the next AMERICAN IDOL ..❤❤❤

[@billmanning8806]

Can I hit the Like Button twice? Julia Gagnon is fabulous!

[@AnnaMariaWolf]

Finally! And such a beautiful and loving family too.

[@brandyjohn]

Powerful audition, and I was hoping she would blow them away, and she did. She isn't remotely aware of how talented she is. I'm looking forward to seeing her on this journey. God's purpose is unfolding.🌹🕊

[@tonodominguez4356]

❤❤❤⚘️⚘️

[@elizabethallgood5534]

Aretha Franklin is my all time favorite, so many have tried, but this young lady , oh my, chills, absolutely soulfully beautiful. I believe Ms Aretha would be proud of her.

[@ilahmaecunanan2629]

I’m so very proud of Julia right now. 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@audreygregis8721]

Wow, wow, wow! Im not sure I have words. What an amazing voice...with an amazing story. With that voice, she'll go far. It's time we had another Aretha Franklin kinda voice.

[@Cvzar07]

Oh my goodness what a voice..she literally made me cry from how good she sings wow

[@zibam982]

She has beautiful family. ❤️

[@roraimusic]

Stunning! It ain't no way to lose that competition!