How Did Tomboyish American Idol Contestant Leah Marlene Impress The Judges?

Published on March 8, 2022 | Published By: Gracie Hale | In Career , Interesting Facts

Source: IG

Leah Marlene is Toronto based songwriter, artist, and producer
She auditioned for season 20 of ‘American Idol’ in which she sang “Steal My Girl” by One Direction
Marlene impressed all three judges through her unique and engaging voice
She got a golden ticket to Hollywood

Another contestant Leah Marlene got the golden ticket to Hollywood!

The second episode of ‘American Idol’ Season 20 aired on Sunday, March 6, where judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan handed over the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood to Canadian native Leah Marlene.

The twentieth season of American Idol premiered on February 27, 2022.

Leah Marlene is Toronro-based young singer — Leah Marlene is a Toronto-based young singer (Source: IG)

The 20-year-old Canadian singer is the second contestant of Canadian nationality who made the mark this season.

Last week, an 18-year-old Canadian native named Nicolina Bozzo took the golden ticket to Hollywood after performing ‘She Used To Be Mine‘ by Sara Bareilles as her audition song.

Also, read “Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter Grace Franklin Auditioned For American Idol Season 20”

Table of Contents

Leah Marlene on American Idol Season 20

Leah sang “Steal My Girl” by One Direction for her American Idol audition. Before her audition, she gave a short intro.

She started with,

“Music has been a part of me since I was born. I was very expressive. I wore, like, really questionable fashion choices. I was very hyper, very stupid and goofy,”

She then continued,

“I’ve been watching this show since I was really young. I was practically coming out of the birth canal when Kelly Clarkson won, which is crazy. My plan is to go in there and hopefully not trip.”

Leah Marlene got the golden ticket to Hollywood on second episode of ‘American Idol’ Season 20 — Leah Marlene got the golden ticket to Hollywood on the second episode of ‘American Idol’ Season 20 (Source: IG)

Marlene’s unique and engaging voice impressed all three judges. “Leah Marlene, you have a tremendous voice,” Katy Perry commented. The ‘Firework’ singer even asked if she could perform something original.

“Gosh, I want to hear another one. Do you write songs?”

She then sang, “Wisher to the Well,” an original tune she wrote alongside two friends. After she had finished with both her songs, Katy pointed out that Leah reminded her of Catie Turner from Season 16 of ‘American Idol’.

Also read “The Biggest Scandals Of American Idol Seasons That Will Make Your Jaw Drop!”

Leah then replied,

“Somebody said that to me earlier today! I was honored. Catie is so fun.”

Similarly, fellow judge Lionel Ritchie commented, “You carry strangeness so well” and Luke Bryan gushed, “I think you’re tremendous”.

Who is Leah Marlene?

Leah Marlene is basically from Toronto and is currently residing in Normal, Illinois. She is a 20-year-old songwriter, artist, and producer.

Marlene grew up in a musical family as her father Derry Grehan is also a musical artist. He is a songwriter and lead guitarist of the Canadian band, Honeymoon Suite.

From a young age, she started singing and writing her songs. She has been performing live all over Illinois since the age of 10. Marlene studied at Belmont University to pursue songwriting in Nashville for two years.

The lil rockstar Leah Marlene — The Lil rockstar Leah Marlene (Source: IG)

Leah just released a new album

The American Idol contestant has been releasing her original music since she was 13 years old. Recently she released her new album Many Colors which features 8 songs including the single, “Noise”, the first and only single off her new album.

The album was released on 4th March 2022. The song which she sang for her Idol audition is also included on her new album.

Previously, she released two other albums, The Space Between and Arrow. As well as she produced songs with and for many other artists outside of herself.

Also, read “Insight on ‘American Idol’ winner Just Sam’s struggles in life! Arthur Gunn becomes the 1st runner-up”

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