American Idol has captivated audiences for decades and has some ties to local singers too. The photo title: American Idol Experience – Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Josh Hallett is licensed under CC-BY-SA-2.0.

Rae Boyd, a 24-year-old, Frederick County, Maryland musician auditioned on the American Idol stage last week.  She successfully executed a jaw-dropping performance, wowing the judges, and taking home her golden ticket to Hollywood. 

Boyd performed a unique rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, proving her vocal ability and living out her dream.

“I can’t believe I’m here, I should’ve done it sooner. […] It’s a dream come true. Seriously,” Boyd said, following her performance.  Proclaiming her status as an ‘American Idol’ superfan.

The judges in agreement replied, “We can’t believe we haven’t seen you until now.” 

Rae Boyd and judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan discussed her vocal ability. 

“I think you read Luke’s mind,” Underwood said. “He said, “can she hit the ‘you’ in her chest voice?”  Then you did it.” 

Richie named her performance as “brilliant.”

“I love your choices.  You took Aretha and turned it upside down and made it yours.  I thought it was just brilliant… very very good,” Richie said. 

Boyd emphasized that she believes she came at the perfect time although wishing she could come sooner.  She explained that a year prior, her father suffered a massive stroke. 

The judges invited the family to stand with her while they determined the fate of her American Idol journey. Undoubtedly, all three judges said yes and handed Boyd her golden ticket to Hollywood. 

Boyd is now set to perform in Hollywood week in the next coming episodes of the show.

Jasmine Neal, a junior at Brunswick High School (BHS) who is passionate about the performing arts expresses enthusiasm following Rae Boyd’s performance.

“It’s good to see someone like us going to perform when you usually see people from more populated cities like California and people from larger populated states,” Neal said. 

“It’s important to pull attention to rising performers and other artists in that environment around Frederick.”

Fans of the show and of Boyd herself tuned in to watch the audition and are hopeful for her next steps.  Many are excited to see Frederick County represented by someone of talent.