Nomad CJ Rislove Brings His Jazz Wagon To Audition For American Idol 2024

Nomadic living is what CJ Rislove is all about! Arriving to the IDOL auditions in his school bus, the Jazz Wagon, CJ brings cookies and original songs to Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Ryan Seacrest!
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AMERICAN IDOL, the iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre, returns on ABC.
American Idol 2024
Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest continues as host of the beloved series, for the historic 22nd season.

[@cjrislove2022]

What the heck just happened?! Thank you everyone for caring about what I have to say musically!!

[@raphaelmorreale5799]

You killed it man! I can’t stop listening. Definitely a unique talent. I hope you go far! 🚌 🎶 🍪

[@melioavilez]

You need a channel just for your Jazz Wagon bro. I’m definitely impressed and I’m glad to see real musician around. 😊

[@KevinP2]

As good as the lyrics are, I really like your singing more!

[@tylorwetmore]

Its was great to watch! Good luck!

[@mazdeea]

So cool!!!

[@MRprod.]

When you challenge a musical genius to sing an unfinished song and you get blown away.

[@TheFinalVenue]

Wait, but that wasn't Charlie Puth?

[@gillowens24]

He is fabulous so talent so smart

[@HeartFeelings.Sharing]

Exactly 😂😂😂

[@davidplays008]

He will be in the top 10 for sure

[@geoffginnard1195]

There's professionals that couldn't pull that off

[@WackiZawacki]

I went to highschool with this guy! Played in marching band with him for a year. Every morning during band camp he’d make everyone pancakes so yes I can testify his baking is amazing😂 and his musical and singing talent has always been incredible, I’m so beyond excited for him!

[@katieklein1849]

Wow! He is a man of many talents! Did he have his school bus then?

[@EqualsOMG]

pancakes aren't baked

[@doodlepops707]

@@EqualsOMG Cookies are though. Stop being a negative Nancy.

[@marcsteven732]

can wait to see him do great !

[@pashamorris1497]

​@@doodlepops707id bet instead of Nancy she is a KAREN! MAD AT THE WORLD BC SHE RAN OUTTA HER "BAREFOOT SWEET RED WINE" SUPPLY

[@Itsmbp2394]

Went to high school with this guy! He deserves all the success that's coming for him!!

[@katieklein1849]

Tell us more!!!

[@berealsupportive2744]

Yes go on.. Where you guys from? :)

[@katieklein1849]

@@berealsupportive2744 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin..I believe?

[@jackya]

That's awesome. I'm so excited for him and I've never met him. I hope he goes far. His song was great.

[@laura_lovesbux]

And they each signed something in his bus. How awesome!

[@RealZidex]

One thing y’all have to know is, is CJ really is this talented, the genuine, this loving, and more. Absolute musical genius too.

[@emeldafernando9193]

A musical gem… His artistry is just amazing even with what he did to the bus! A’s to that! I’m hooked.

[@arizjones]

Do you know him? He sure seems like the real thing.

[@MPMcDonald]

I don't think he'll win American Idol, (but I hope I'm wrong!) but I think he'll use it as a stepping stone. The sky is the limit. American Idol will open doors for him and that's all he needs. As soon as he started playing, he reminded me of Elton John.

[@heyitslolz]

Sang in choir in high school with CJ and he was always a rock star. Awesome to see him make it big!

[@katieklein1849]

That is awesome! Was he as talented then?

[@janetlawson4482]

That’s awesome! I’m happy for him, he’s eccentric but usually the eccentric ones are very creative.

[@qyk837]

Cap

[@heyitslolz]

@@katieklein1849 He was! Always had amazing solos in our choirs/show choirs and won a ton of competitions/rewards. He always supported the other members of the choir and encouraged people to perform. Our old teacher Mr. Buckles taught us well! 🙂

[@itzmaash]

the joy on his face when Katy said "elton john and billie joel.." so wholesome

[@Slim1962]

He didn’t even get to really sing what he wanted to. To sing a song he wrote the day before is beyond impressive. I can’t wait to see what he sings and does next.

[@jaelespinoza5062]

everything about this was brilliant lmao

[@factsoverfeelings7828]

Everything! 😁

[@tammysmith7345]

Please don't let the industry change this young man, as soon as he started singing i was thinking Elton John! PLEASE PLEASE DON'T CHANGE THIS YOUNGSTER'S STYLE!!!

[@RA82828]

agree but...... he must modify to fit into a format that will be played on the radio and appeal to the masses if he wants to make money and be successful and NOT just play coffee houses the rest of his LONG life. Hope he stays true to his original roots though for sure, is all I ask.

[@diggrduggr1]

Feel the same way except Billy Joel popped into my mind.

[@genesiscruz2000]

If he wins, they'll make him the next pop star😅.

[@stephanienorthcutt1309]

Right when he started playing the piano I told my husband he kind of has an Elton John style. Then he started singing and I was like dang. He definitely reminds me of Elton and Billy Joel.

[@MIANSOMU]

@@RA82828today is easier with KZbin and Spotify, instagram, but still he needs to be courageous and not greedy.

[@ItsMe-yv9jd]

Gotta say, I've been watching Idol off and on for years... this was definitely a 'top 10' fave audition! (The judges were soooo encouraging and soooo refreshing, in a world of soooo many haters.)

[@vmilu9653]

I agree

[@Tynap7]

Spot on! Love his audition & so much talent…

[@mbcrandell7766]

The singer/songwriter in the bus he built took me back to the late 60’s wow! Well done❤❤

[@MrFloydSaunders]

Don’t sleep on this guy, he could be a big surprise on AI this season.

[@adamalexander9685]

They didn’t even give him a chance 😢

[@ephrem3966]

I don't want idol to ruin his vibe. please protect this dude. don't you ever change, brother.

[@jchancalifornia]

Such a talented young man, with a free soul, making his own adventures as he travels in his jazz wagon! At 22, not only does he have a great timber in his voice, an accomplished, pianist and writer - but also a great imagination, and executor in the creation of his school bus conversion. What an outstanding individual! I can’t wait to see his journey!

[@HeartFeelings.Sharing]

Couldn't agree more!

[@rhondar.]

This IS the guy! I have a feeling.

[@FesteringRatSub]

same

[@vivshij1349]

Yuppp

[@robertantonnyc]

Put on the spot to do a song he started writing yesterday. Lovely piano playing, pleasing 'piano man' vocal with soul and an interesting vibrato. Smart, beautiful lyrics too. - So You Wanna Be A Singer

[@RA82828]

Totally agree - amazing lyrics and yes the vibrato was interesting and wonderful. So awesome to see the judges get on his bus and give him such encouragement.

[@robertantonnyc]

Yes, they can be so nurturing. Love it! @@RA82828

[@LeesReviews69]

He’s amazing

[@lindafrance9192]

I would have also loved to have heard him sing the song he originally intended.

[@katiegraham6149]

@@lindafrance9192I know!! I wish they would have let him sing the one he had planned, too! I loved his impromptu unfinished song though. I’m excited to see what he does next with an actually finished and rehearsed song 😂

[@robingarvin-mack]

I AM A 70yo ENGLISHMAN and right now I SOOO want to get an old school bus and just GOOO!!!

[@anjilala]

He is fun, he owns his own lane, and there's a big place for him in that unique space. Now the contestant I am most interested in seeing more of, all the way to the final!

[@MatthewMorse]

Probably the best songwriter they've ever had on the show. Dude is a musical genius.

[@sphinxkat]

Most original contestant with amazing song writing skills. I love how quirky and different he is ❤

[@topgazza]

At last a proper musical creator who just needs to be given the keys to the door of fame and a long career. He’s got the lot and a killer voice. What an individual

[@diananemoy7409]

He is the best effortless talent and true performer I've seen on this show in years. BS he didn't get the platinum ticket but hope he gets the recognition he deserves on the show. He could do a concert tomorrow and have it effortlessly filled as Elton and Billy talent doesn't exist like this anymore! 💕🙌

[@beebee4334]

Lionel like a kid in a candy store in that bus!!

[@IAMBRITTNEYLASHA]

CJ Rislove you’re the magic life is made of! Keep being you!

[@lindarichards8125]

This guy is AMAZING! Only 22! Go CJ!

[@TravelingRat]

Went to high school with CJ and sang with him in choir. Awesome to see him doing great things with music! Very talented young man.

[@She22222]

I met him today on Showboat Branson Belle. He is the most humble and genuine person. We are all routing for him to win!!!

[@thehoop74]

Was NOT expecting that voice. Beautiful!!!!!!

[@essager_ballz]

Talented guy, went to school with him and guy is totally genuine in what he does .. wonderful in choir aswell

[@TwoSense2640]

My favorite so far. I feel like that song could be from a movie.

[@lisataylor-young7795]

Yes yes yes!!

[@abbykoop5363]

Such a great energy. He'll be able to go as far as he wants to. Well done!

[@Praben]

An unfinished song. Haven't even memorized the lyrics yet. On national TV. He handled the pressure really well. Kudos!

[@LifeAfterKidsjourneyunknown]

#TEAMCJ They have no idea what AUTHENTIC PRESENCE they have in front of them??!?? CJ is one of a kind like no other… JUST WAIT you all haven’t seen anything yet!! LETSSSSSSSS GOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

[@tomtomlinson4826]

I think they do.

[@FesteringRatSub]

yea they know, they wanted in on his fun world

[@LifeAfterKidsjourneyunknown]

@@tomtomlinson4826 bruh not what I ment 🤣🤣

[@LifeAfterKidsjourneyunknown]

@@FesteringRatSub not what I ment. We know him personally and know what he can do… just wait till he really lets loose!!

[@tomtomlinson4826]

I understand. I just think the judges have an idea of the depth of his talent. @@LifeAfterKidsjourneyunknown

[@dar_jada]

He is a cool guy on every dimension. Authentic, entertaining, great voice.

[@johnnykizer4644]

Top 10 that's good that someone can write songs like that

[@VegGirlSF]

I just love Lionel’s reaction he truly respects creative people, and real musicians 😊

[@Beth-zg6gb]

What a genuinely decent and kind human CJ appears to be, let alone talented! 💕

[@justwondrin]

“They only got where they are bc they had each other from a million miles away” Just. Wow.

[@DesiLu4Life]

Katy loves musicians, you can tell!! This man's voice is unique and impressive ❤️ I definitely felt Elton John-ish

[@sparrowmermaid]

😂 I just started to sing again and I happen to live in a converted bus as well!! Excellent audition!!

[@AmongTheClouds49]

Amazing it's my dream

[@bpatton3671]

CJ is a breath of fresh air, doing what he loves on his terms! Played you a song he hasn't even mastered yet and YOU, MYSELF, everyone loves both his music, his attitude and willingness to entertain, even if it wasn't perfect! This 73 year old retired US NAVY Viet Nam Vet loved him! This is the 4th time playing it through! ❤❤

[@debb8326]

Love this guy's voice and lyrics....so cool

[@debibent5035]

I don't normally write or give comments but this guy is sick!!!!!! 2024 winner ✊✊✊.

[@ConcertgoerJ.R.]

Really impressive audition, he’s an amazing singer and I love that bus that he lives!

[@filmcrew3531]

One of the coolest audtions ever! Let's see where he goes on his Jazz Wagon!!! Cheers CJ!

[@moparman1962]

This guy is a real deal songwriter, arranger, singer and keyboard/piano player with serious talent! We can't wait to see him and hear him perform more songs, he is impressive. Katy threw him her curve ball and he sat down and banged out a brand new song he didn't even have memorized...talent!

[@lesliebrown8665]

Man this is pure genius .... Bless him man... he got it ...

[@donnytucker]

His voice, song, and piano playing were so good. And the bus is amazing!

[@Safirlady]

The timbre of his voice and quality absolutely have potential; I like his voice et he can play well, very good! 💕💕💗💗🌸🔥 Parts of it reminded of, “ Bennie and the Jets”…👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@rebeccaleanne22]

Honestly this was amazing and to put him on the spot like that he handled it so well!! And I love his voice

[@jwstroup1]

I smiled the whole time he talked and sang, and even when he toured the bus with the judges.

[@marbintot]

I don't understand why everytime I watch his audition, it almost makes me cry, he deserves to win this thing! Rooting for you!!!

[@lisataylor-young7795]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Astronaut & the Rockstar!! It made me cry!! It’s a love story- you HAVE to finish it & song it on A I!!!! You go C J !!!

[@BobButcherAK]

One of the coolest auditions. Loved the judges interest in seeing “the bus.”

[@KaylianaReeves]

Proud to say I religiously went to the bar he was the karaoke DJ for last summer!! 🥰 the fact that Katy thought she could spook him and then got blown away is the EXACT reason why he’s gonna go far! The most genuinely good hearted and extremely talented soul I’ve ever met🥹💕💕💕

[@mambicubano7303]

Let me tell you that for me in particular, the special thing about your program is not the participants, but you, your natural and affective way, the grace that permeates each program. Thank you

[@pandskocer1362]

I want him to be the American Idol !! I have listen to this over and over.I love this song!!

[@immusicmagazine4533]

I've watched lots of amazing auditions so far this season of incredible singers, but this is the first time that I have been absolutely blown away by a contestant's artistry. CJ is definitely someone to keep your eyes and ears on moving forward. He is going to win a lot of people over and I do mean A LOT! Stay true to yourself dude and don't let the machine try and change you. You are now my #1 pick for this season.

[@dominicmartinez8515]

The infuriating part is that he really is this wholesome. He is a genuine person who believes what he is saying, and while us jaded folk might laugh and roll our eyes, you have to respect that CJ is who he is, and he's just living his life man. Love this guy.

[@AshiyaWhitley-ShawVeganAthlete]

To go into an audition and be able to completely be your authentic self, even sing your own song, and not a cover. Having someone judge you solely off of that. Kudos! He made it look so easy.👏🏽❤️

[@donthegardener8670]

Peace + Easy =s CJ's "Peasey" (Spiritual stress reducer)

[@ataywithluv7473]

Favorite audition thus far! Love his lyrics. Such a good writer.

[@natashahaselton6710]

Ok this has got to be The coolest thing Ever on American Idol. Fellow nomad/rver (now in place but still RV life) so def dig his bus!!!🚌. Awesome build. Plus What an amazing songwriter. Also first thought was Elton John. I like him. Look forward to seeing more from him.

[@baileydarbro]

Such a talented dude with amazing energy. His song was brilliant!

[@noellarash367]

Love this contestant… so original

[@takeaguess08]

He's the first musical "Van Life" nomad I've seen. What a way to live through art and exploration. I wish this kid all the best and a route to success that doesn't strip this version of who he is now too harshly.

[@mmaakkiinn]

He looks like the male version of Julia Roberts..they look like twins...awesome voice

[@ShaynaPhillips-zu3mb]

And we have the next American idol!!! He is just awesome in every way ❤

[@ross6343]

Today's Billy Joel just showed up on American Idol...

[@dylanoscreamo]

My favorite audition so far... 😊 pls let him be the finalist.. 🙏

[@Jiloissomething]

One of the finest song I heard from an original song performance.

[@bestbuddz4349]

What a guy. Beautiful voice, beautiful soul. Knew what he wanted to do and just did it. I also love how entertained Katy is by the bus😂

[@michemman]

Hey CJ, you are my clear favourite. I'm backing you up. I don't need to hear anyone else. My third listen to your audition, this song will now play on repeat while continuing to write my love story novel, to Mars and back again, 6 years in the making, yours is up there with all the other greatest songwriters, with great lyrics, beautiful timbre, and now my inspiration to tuck back into it after a few months break. I can't wait to hear you play the piano again. Stay true to yourself, humbled. No need to do fancy runs, or be like anybody else, if you can sing and play like this, the right time, the write time for you. In kindred spirit, Eliza Most Beautiful Day is Today! Tuesday 12th of March 2023, 10:56am bed office Dulwich Hill, Sydney Australia xx

[@weddinginvitationsdurban]

SO ORIGINAL AND AUTHENTIC. A MODERN TAKE FROM A BYGONE ERA. THE WORLD NEEDS THIS GUY!

[@audreygregis8721]

Now THAT is someone who has grabbed onto life for the total adventure! Wow, wow, wow, what an awesome, and talented, guy! He's going to go far. Real far.

[@mr_zeus6148]

He the winner, damn..its 🔥

[@WildRemedies]

He is by far my favorite audition yet… Creativity to the max

[@cheneethompson5756]

Holy crap! What a voice! I did NOT see that coming!

[@GG80s]

Witnessing a genius right here! Lionel is so in love, it's so adorable! Good luck CJ!

[@tressalynshepherd3918]

Awww man, may God bless this young man! I absolutely love his voice and energy. He is AWESOME!!!❤️

[@MrLee23]

That's what its all about; envious of his freedom to create. Hope the fans vote.

[@user-uz7ti7vb3t]

The talent this season is insane. This guy is top 3 if not the winner. Insane talent!

[@natalieharris7161]

He is one of my top favorites! Hope to see him in the top 12! 😊🥰🌹❤️🙏🏾

[@aishahackett3388]

This was absolutely the best and most awesome backstory! This guy is truly "connected". I love his earthiness and his amazing lyrics. I hope America falls in love with him.

[@wordifywithomatthew]

This is my favorite audition this year. I love this guy. His whole package is unique.

[@hearmenow909]

Very talented with amazing energy. I will be rooting for him.

[@katiegraham6149]

This was probably the coolest audition I’ve ever seen. A randomly chosen unfinished song that he just wrote yesterday, doesn’t have the lyrics memorized, and hasn’t rehearsed and it’s better than most of the contestants singing cover songs. I would love to hear the finished version some day. It’s actually a fantastic song. I love that Katy is the new Simon and wanted him to demonstrate the song writing he was bragging about. Since CJ has the goods it was the best thing she could have done for him.

[@valerierislove3947]

Hi😊 it’s out and streaming on all platforms including KZbin❤

[@jdavis4408]

So interesting and original!!

[@yiuyu2232]

How that he didn’t makes top 24, he is so original.😢 maybe he still on the way driving his jazz bus😮

[@alexiscaldwell4133]

This was absolutely amazing. He is incredibly creative & talented as well as assertive and disciplined. He should be very proud of himself. I hope he goes far!

[@daisyhibbard]

I appreciate the massive sword mounted above the driver's seat of CJ's bus.

[@KigenEkeson]

With all this kid has done in 22 years it probably represents The Sword of Damocles...reminds him to stay focused on the Good.

[@tdilover17]

One of my favorite auditions in a very long time! Very talented guy

[@BeingArtful]

The world needs more people like this guy, dedicated to his craft 💯

[@jeaniehammond40]

Love, love, love this guy, he’s like my generation.....a hippie from the 70’s but with discipline. I can’t wait to see what comes next for you young man. Hugs!

[@farflungmuncher3307]

Rooting for him! His aura is just bright and clear!

[@chasityhernandez4256]

Love his vibe!!!

[@kall4less]

A star is born.

[@winstonallen6933]

Love it when you witness an overnight success!!!

[@MamaMoonShine]

I loved it! Thanks for showing up!

[@dooleydavid9999]

SIMPLY INCREDIBLE GUY WITH A SPECIAL SOUL AND COURAGE. TO DO THIS AT 17 IS MORE THAN MUCH MORE CAN BE. AND HE IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE ON A TOUR BUS.. GOOD L U C K

[@Babs-nd2gd]

Yes, and he doesn't need American idol to do it.

[@jessehougland3444]

Dude is brilliant and he has to be top 10