You're Gonna Cry During Odell Bunton Jr.'s Emotional Story & Soulful Singing - American Idol 2024

When Odell was 6 years old he knew he wanted to be a singer, and from the time he turned 13 he knew it was all he wanted to do. After his first daughter was born, Odell took a break from music to focus on his family. But today's going to be different for Odell: He gets his golden ticket and takes one step closer to realizing his dreams for his family.
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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.

[@brittniic13]

PLEASE give this man his flowers. A loving partner and working + active father of 5 children?! AT 28?!?!? This man deserves everything the future holds for him.

[@cheronatunrase4569]

🌷🌹🌺💐

[@jasminsweetlove5898]

I agree

[@mugsev]

Yes. It's also a good warning to my sons . No kids at 28 years of age

[@camerawithwings8607]

@@mugsevYes take care of your kids when you have them!!!

[@laurawatts7841]

Amen and Amen blessed this man and his family

[@castorphans]

That's the kind of singer I wanna hear on TV, radio, the internet, you name it. Rooting for you, Odell! 🙏

[@sharksrcbash]

Well said. I agree 100%

[@pnunn8592]

Absolutely 💯

[@MickayG]

Go to any black church community in the US and you'll have at least half a dozen gospel singers like him... amazing singers.

[@msniki2816]

Man, What Chu Say!!! It's jus sum bout music u can feel in yo soul!!! That's God!!!❤❤❤

[@totianagarcia8491]

I wish I could attach Tyra Banks face to this comment 😂😂

[@GalagaKing2]

"the windshield is much bigger than the rearview mirror" is a very powerful analogy

[@kathyhall6877]

Totally agree!! Beautiful!!

[@bradkiss8576]

Gotta love Jelly

[@rileyonthatbeat3047]

His runs are annointed, I knew he grew up in the church! God bless him!!!!!

[@debbiebramwell]

Yes!

[@donielledowling-taylor5348]

Annointed... Yes Suh!!! I am cogic... and I know when I hear it!!!

[@doeadear22cardenas74]

That was not an audition, it was a performance. ❤

[@lulaslife13]

#truth ✌🌟😇

[@williamratcliffe7794]

I agree!

[@angelasharp6413]

Exactly!

[@MinhAnMinhQuan]

So true, he's already a hidden star!

[@HomelessInAmerica2024]

His talent speaks for itself. It was a wrong song choice. 🩵🩷💛

[@dennisprice6119]

I went to school with him and he is just as awesome as he was then as he is now can't wait for him to win!!!

[@Jeanology]

Me to!!! With that voice, he deserves everything coming to him!!!

[@lmkidd]

Doesn’t that make it even sweeter!!!🙏🏾🙏🏾💪🏾

[@Anaaksounamoun]

lie

[@melstrr564]

@@Anaaksounamounyou DO know- people CAN go to school with someone 🙄. Like, a duh- SOMEONE had to have gone to school with him. Those things *are* possible lol

[@Anaaksounamoun]

@@melstrr564my comment always makes someone answer so funny :D

[@crystalsmith4928]

He took us to church🎉❤

[@cjkcc5]

That boy can flat foot sing his face off! My God!!! Pray you win it all!

[@andrewfaller7994]

Bro had that anointing on him ❤

[@ronneshabutler4651]

Right!!

[@yannicklaura6212]

God bless, can I get an Amen 🙏🏾

[@angeleisharodgers634]

YES INDEED HE DID! It was flowing all through him!

[@nenah86]

Was looking for this comment! Amen!

[@EclecticElegance13]

I know that’s right!!!

[@andreamiller6323]

Lord, open the door for this young man and his family ❤❤🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@nancyann1014]

Amen ❤

[@notorioustink]

Amen

[@michaelwingate2027]

Let The Church Say AMEN!

[@frommylips2yourears714]

Amen

[@pitafusitua181]

Amen

[@tosheacollier2039]

Congratulations Odell you did it‼️ He heard your cry. 🔥🔥💕💕And answered your prayers, what a mighty God we serve.

[@Grayybird]

Are we not going to talk about The celebratory hug at the end nearly ENDING Ryan seacrest HAHA 😂

[@clutchpanda6454]

Bro I know he almost died 😭

[@mubangamukuka5763]

😹😹😹

[@epifanijones3084]

Honey, he felt the power of carbs 😂😂😂😂

[@TijaiHawken]

I sung with him at his father and mother's church for 13 years and the young man is amazing!!! Even with the talent that I have had since 12 years old, the young man taught me some things that helped me along the way. I'm calling it, American Idol 2024 winner, Odell Bunton Jr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@erykahjackson43]

Praise God 🙌❤

[@debbiebramwell]

Praise God!!

[@luluandthereviews]

I’m with you! Don’t even know him and he’s a star! ⭐️

[@JMila817]

GOD IS GOOD! 🙌🏾

[@JMila817]

God is good! 🙌🏾

[@catarinasaldivar2565]

he’s winning this thing. i’m calling it

[@kimransom5998]

Amen, he already won, by Lionel Richie helping him with a security agency$$$$$

[@bluckyjones]

Unfortunately who needs to win it & who should win based upon their talent level & range is not ever who wins in the end....it's a popularity contest & within the first week of live shows or so u can def start to tell who their gonna give it to by the editing & camera time u see with the contestants. It's disheartening...& it always bothers me how we never hear or see most of the people who's won this show...in the 20+yrs it's been on...there's only 4 or 5 former contestants or even winners that actually have a successful singing career....it just makes u wonder...how does it continue to be a successful show when its not breeding success in the way it should?? ...now that very well could be bcuz the contestants/winners aren't putting in the hard work & unrealistic expectations...but I've heard that they get stuck n these contracts where for a few years their not able to promote themselves the way they want...& that idol management basically owns the rights to their talent...the industry is not at all what folks think it is. Ill shut up from ranting...lol...either way ,me being a vocal coach for almost 20yrs.. ima always keep watching..ima huge fan of music & artistry & theres nothin that feels better than witnessing someone bare their souls & share their gift with us...i truly believe music has the power to heal & change the world...& I agree with u...this man's voice is incredible ...he most def has an old school tone that u don't hear much these days. You should check out this song featuring Anthony Hamilton - ive been alone a lot lately ...forgive me cuz I can't think of the main artist name but it's the same vibe as this guy's voice & I think he would do great in.

[@bluckyjones]

It's Louis York...the name of the song - Alone Alot Lately... that I was referring to at end of my comment....but he was turned down for idol several times & when u hear him your gonna think how??? Lol...just goes to show...sometimes what we hear is not what "they" hear.

[@user-yi9xy1qt4v]

Wow he is good

[@TheFinalVenue]

He has a beautiful voice and really does have potential. However, he's too specialized. He won't win. It's ok, there's more than life to Idol

[@Sunnipoo]

The end when wife hugged him was like watching a Disney movie princess and prince fall in love 🥰 so happy for them x

[@specialkdm900]

Odell is the real deal. When he sings it pierces your soul. It’s the kind of voice that moves you. I think about my family listening to old school gospel and R&B music. ❤❤

[@greshlyntaylor3523]

I'm crying over here. Odell's voice is anointed, he sang from his soul that touches the heart. "Bring It On Home" Odell.

[@angeladoss8128]

Me too

[@user-ye5ku2ws6s]

I was just gonna say that his voice sounds like that southern quartet gospel. So good to hear.

[@soulRegal08]

Same. At my desk at work in tears.

[@janicejanostak2545]

His voice is a five-course meal - extremely satisfying!

[@trellytheebraider]

❤❤❤❤

[@mediamannaman]

Exactly!!

[@jesanderson28]

You can tell when someone is a good soul, and he is. Wow! ❤️

[@anab.6948]

It is amazing how this voice comes so effortless out of him.

[@andrewbrandenburg3842]

Ryan getting pushed at the end was hilarious! A very real moment!

[@mearip6116]

😂😂😂

[@katrinaearly8950]

a great ending to a great performance. icing on the cake hehe

[@joyfulreflections]

😂😂😂

[@denisebigsbee5488]

Lol...ikr! Like Ryan move out the way😂😂😂

[@luisreyes2194]

Lmfaoooo

[@robertantonnyc]

singing from his soul, such a full sound with so much ache. He giving us them church riffs to make you throw something. So much Joy and pain. Chills! Love the key change. This was next LEVEL. SANG MAN!! - So You Wanna Be A Singer

[@windsup2day]

I couldn't agree more. Love him!

[@robertantonnyc]

He's a keeper.@@windsup2day

[@charmainjones1248]

So here I am missing the show 😭 I didn't even know it was back on

[@bonitahobbs2374]

I WILL likkely watch this show this year because of him !!! I HAPPENED UP ON it tonight n saw him!! This show seemed like it had become JUST FOR 1 GROUP of people when it comes to the winners!! TIP: IF SOMEHOW THEY WOULD ALLOW 1- 800 CALLS AGAIN MORE' OLDER PEOPLE WOULD WATCH AND VOTE!!!

[@DominiqueWyrick]

I felt that too

[@billyblanks6883]

Hands down, thee BEST vocalist I've heard in years on American Idol 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@bigmike676767]

He seems like a good guy and a great father. Rooting for him

[@attitune]

He's a true soul singer. And he sang a fresh new version of an old classic. The first time I heard Sam Cooke's "Bring it on home to me," I was just a kid, riding in the car with my dad. And when I heard this song on the radio, I was so floored by it that I ran to the record store the next day to buy the whole album. I still have that old vinyl LP to this day, and Odell really delivered on that song. What a great audition. I wish him all the success.

[@patriciahenry8667]

❤❤Winning Amen Annointing beyond.Real talk.

[@daidraitheproducer]

I miss those days riding around in the car listening to classics

[@jajcontractfurnitureinc.3867]

💯

[@J.LS.]

He’s singing for his life. Wow

[@doloreswillis-tk9dl]

Yes... literally!!

[@MrDezzyFresh]

I'm not crying you're crying. Prayers for this beautiful soul 🙏🏾

[@LeeCampbell6581]

Man that “The windshield is bigger than the rear view mirror for a reason” hit me hard. Odell my brother, you inspire me. As a father myself, that struggles to keep my head above water. I felt every bit of your story and I am behind you 100%.

[@geraldine1437]

He’s there for his children. Prayers sincerely for him that God will bless his talents so he can continue to be there for his beautiful family.

[@georgebooth2005]

Awesome Odell! TEXAS will be supporting you! I hope everyone else will too! GOD BLESS! 🙏🤞👍👍❤️🙂

[@tammystowers1593]

I. DEFINITELY WILL ☝🏾🎉🙏🏾💯‼️🎶🔥

[@lelelele-qz6ei]

Odell I’m proud of you and IM thanking GOD IN ADVANCE that you and your family’s future is brighter than you could ever IMAGINE.

[@Lesia234]

He is signing out of his spirit and past experiences. Much success to you young man!!!!!

[@CancerLove555]

There are those auditions you can watch over and over and this is one of them.

[@daniellefrith3472]

And now the "Platinum Ticket " Well Deserved Sir !!!

[@alethiadavis1208]

That’s why it’s called SOUL music. It is he desire, hopes and dreams of your heart poured into a song and shared with others. Thank you Odell for sharing, your talent is phenomenal.

[@offclDEIBEU]

What a soulful singer! I believe he can make it far in the competition.

[@DM-by5sr]

You can't help but route for this guy. He's my pick to win the whole thing & even if he doesn't win, he will get signed by some label. He's that good. His voice is ridiculously good. You feel every word & note that comes out of his mouth. Besides his voice, he's a very humble brother who loves his family. Stay humble brother!

[@maryhines6744]

He's a wonderful singer. But you can't say he's the best because we haven't seen all the contestants yet.

[@fashamoore9322]

As the judge's stated, "...He is the best soulful singer by far..."

[@DM-by5sr]

@maryhines6744 Can you read? Where did I say he was the best? I said he's my pick to win the whole thing, but American Idol has changed. It's not about who has the best voice anymore like it use to be. It's about who has the best story, more social media views & which person is more marketable.

[@roseoverstreet9483]

Amen, my Era, when music was Music, not the rapping, reggae, bring back the old Ballard's, this young has a calling. The Lord exalts him, he's worthy Lord, in the Holy Name of Jesus guide his path, send your anointing over him & his family, touch the hearts of mankind that will judge him, Lord You can do it 😂😂😂

[@GlendaClarke-ir2cd]

Sure, go ahead and root for him.

[@kaylawise1270]

If he doesn't win I'm throwing the whole show away

[@MomlifeA]

💯

[@jessiewalthers7645]

Was going to say the same thing!

[@Hollywdq]

ENTIRELY away!!!!!

[@treesmoka81]

The building would be on 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@billyblanks6883]

FACTS💯💯💯

[@deanamarie1120]

America better not fail him!!! 🥹

[@princecedric140]

TOP 10 DEFINITELY, ABSOLUTELY, SURELY !! 🙏🙏🙏

[@davev3559]

His instincts were right on because gave him the beautiful gift of music. Sing it man!

[@emissieRollins]

Straight from His Gutteral Soul! What a wonderful feeling to feel from a voice. I was in tears. Bring It On Home Odell 🎉

[@teressaparker8667]

Dude can sing!!!!! That was amazing!!!

[@jonathanvijongarth]

I've been watching these reality singing competitions from the early 2000's. That's one of the most solid first auditions I've ever seen. His voice is incredible. I look forward to he and his family elevating out of their current circumstances.

[@trevorwoolley7432]

He’s the kinda singer who just opens their mouth and goodness pours out effortlessly.

[@brighta7815]

He sang that song without stress... This was fire ❤❤

[@jaitaylor5987]

He was most definitely been in the church with that voice. Love it❤❤❤❤

[@joycesimmons5961]

I remember him from Sunday’s Best! I am so excited to see him.

[@jonathanwilliams365]

Golden Ticket Deserved

[@cubnation]

They brought him back and gave him the Platinum Ticket!!!! ❤❤❤

[@jonathanwilliams365]

@@cubnation hes my favorite contestant hope he goes far!!

[@cubnation]

​@@jonathanwilliams365I do too! He is just superb! I'm picking him to win. He makes it look easy. I can't understand why he isn't signed to a label already! He is so awesome. ❤ 6:32

[@priscilliacarter1144]

Please let all doors open for him he has a lot of talent

[@user-nz1hs5it3l]

67 years in tears my whole body is in flames. Son u r the best

[@_cdefrancemusic]

I've been watching him since he was a kid! We're all rooting for you bro!

[@bello7077]

The soul that’s on fire… this man may be struggling financially but he is blessed 🙏🙏🙏

[@marcnigro2134]

you can't teach soul and range like that.....very inspiring.....and chill bumps

[@DavidBailey-zn5gz]

That's an old spirit there ❤

[@dontaesolomon9166]

When you have babies and you have a chance to show your stuff ... He delivered

[@ramonakemp4982]

In the words of my grandbaby..He Ate That Up ❤❤❤

[@pricepoint23]

AMERICAN IDOL WINNER 2024!!

[@TheDesciple30]

This brother took us to church 😮! I love his voice and humility, definitely an old school soul singing voice. All the best my brother, Blessings!!

[@brittneyward2749]

He was in his pocket at that key change baybee the anointing flew straight out his mouth and all over him!!! All Glory be to God 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@DalenciaTwine-oy5gk]

Father God, I pray that you bless this young and his beautiful family with an overflow of peace, love, joy and prosperity, I declare this PRAYER in your mighty name!!!!!! Amen

[@debbiebramwell]

Amen!!

[@paulc9643]

There we go! Odell, that's the voice that's missing in music.

[@user-ye5ku2ws6s]

Yes sir! That was the cleanest run I've heard in a while.

[@tonirichmond3368]

Blessings to this man and his family

[@steverdms]

Bless that man and his family!

[@Vee316]

Open the doors for him and his family. God do it your way. ❤

[@rossanaglasgow2561]

Odell had me crying. Sir you being Father, husband and provider is your duty that God has blessed you with. Blessings to you and your family,.....watching from the Caribbean.. supporting you sir

[@viviangreen8630]

Everybody else needs to go home He has the voice, professionalism , and the stage presentation. I am obsessed. Praise God for you Odell.

[@jamese5924]

Now that is singing from your soul. This man is amazing

[@MissOnyl]

i don't know what i was expecting, but i'm just sobbing right now. absolutely beautiful father and singer.

[@sheilamcintosh6632]

Now he is the real deal. Clean clear tone with soul.

[@francesjean7764]

When, I say this young man sang, he sang. He tore the house down. I had chills down my spine. Keep going on young man, you going placed, oh yes you are. God bless

[@byroncoffelt7023]

He has my vote to win the whole thing already. Wonderful singer and great father!

[@sgd.6830]

You are a great Father, you are all together under one roof “ a family “ you should be proud of yourself. Now omg your voice , you are a whole church in one body 🙏🧡

[@Crusader9717]

Whoah...He can saaaang! 👌🙌 The windshield is always bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. Word!✊️

[@sierramartinez4248]

I watched this episode with my husband and I was bawling 😂 this man's voice and story telling had me by the neck. then they almost dropped Ryan with their excitement had me laughing so hard while I was crying 😂 I will be rooting for this young man! He deserves peace and happiness!

[@caitm1628]

That’s a star. Period. ♥️ routing for for you Odell

[@TRAEDONYATOURSTATION]

🥹😭😭😭 That voice is out of this world !!!!!Come on with the real deal!!!!! Odell Bunton is so phenomenal!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤A true inspiration!!!!

[@br03]

I’ve been a fan since he was on Sunday’s Best

[@KailinKhalifa]

🗣️ SING THE SONG! he took them to church ♥️🙏🏽

[@Vee316]

He sing with the anointing. Thats why they felt it.

[@samvitale1289]

I haven’t heard anyone in the American idol better than this man right here, he has all the tools to win this thing with ease. Amazing voice and control my god took me back to church god bless

[@smoofollowingqalroundthewo206]

Speaking of…he’d absolutely slay that song, “Take Me to Church”.

[@cherylannebarillartist7453]

And you can tell he has a lot more in him… as he settles into the process and more richness comes in his tone…. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@kevinbouknight1308]

My goodness! I really have no words for how amazing his voice is. Wow!

[@JaxMchunu]

I’ve missed hearing people who can actually sing on the radio, I’ve watched this audition (read: performance) over and over and over. What a voice! 💕🇿🇦

[@keesmuch]

omg the soul of his voice!!! You dont hear voices like this in the radio anymore and he pick the perfect song for it too.

[@HomelessInAmerica2024]

Perfect voice, wrong 🎼 song 🩵🩷💛

[@MrAntd1]

Old school soul🔥

[@lorebay2593]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥beautifully made it his own!

[@ajayjames5198]

He got this grown man crying... He is what we need at this very moment.. his voice will heal a lot of people... what a powerhouse... woooooo💙💙🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@HomelessInAmerica2024]

See? Point made. Gospel. 🩵🩷💛

[@Cllrjuliadavidson]

When you feel it in your body and tears in your eyes for the love, the pain, the joy to the point of exhaling deeply you know you have a Singer, a Artist, he took my attention and emotion to another level 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🎤🙏🏽📀x

[@mrbgladney71]

Eas"T"exas Respect 2 Our Brotherhood of Fellow Security Officers May GOD Continue 2 Bless U Young King Keep Chasin Ya Dreams..

[@staceypaulk131]

You are meant to sing gospel music. You have an awesome voice! To God be the Glory!

[@genesisblount493]

I am crying so hard watching him. Him singing sent chills through my body.

[@fredabell2046]

Wow!! He can sing!!!😊

[@jarvishodges1842]

Wow!! I watched this about 20 times 🙏🏾🙌🏾Powerful and Soulful voice. American Idol has my attention even more now.

[@budlorunnathalie7537]

He is the winner...deep from the soul...he projected everything out...the crowd clapping hands for the winner...

[@JenShea]

Gosh, that was so flippin splendid. I wish only wonderful and wondrous things ahead for you Odell... you and your beautiful family deserve the world!

[@GDaddyTx]

Absolutely fabulous Odell, loved every bit of that. Hang in there brother, I too ran into hard times and lived in a hotel room with the wife & three kids. It made us stronger as a family. Now that all my kids are grown and prosperous, they tell me it’s because they saw that I wasn’t willing to give up. Best of luck, I hope you win it all!!!❤❤❤

[@NeuroTechTalks]

I don’t remember the last time I cried this hard from a performance. His character, his dedication to his family, his voice. I pray he wins!

[@aloverofstories]

He's going to be one of my favorites this season! Rooting for him!

[@run4funs24]

Good choice of song. He did everyone proud

[@shawna7227]

Dang

[@spiritedrose28]

FULL. BODY. CHILLS.

[@Mrs.Rodarte]

May God anoint O'Dell to win because he seems genuine and very soulful beautiful voice.