“Idol” Hopeful Honors Late Stepdad With Moving Covers Of Vince Gill & Bonnie Raitt Songs
American Idol / YouTube
Mariah Faith’s stepdad, Brian “Big B,” was her biggest fan. As soon as Brian came into her life, he knew Mariah was someone special.
He recognized Mariah’s singing talent, advocated for their family to move somewhere where she could shine. “Somehow, he just knew I deserved to be singing,” she said.
Mariah shared this story with the American Idol judges before she auditioned for Season 21.
Unfortunately, Brian couldn’t be there for her audition. He passed away after suffering a heart attack in 2019. “That was my best friend in the whole world,” she said. “How do you just lose that…How do you continue going on without that?”
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Mariah held Brian close to her heart as she sang in his honor in front of the Idol judges. She was wearing a necklace that contains a photo of him and her younger sister.
Singing in honor of Brian, Mariah delivered a moving and tender cover of Vince Gill‘s “Whenever You Come Around.”
Katy Perry stopped her mid-performance. She told Mariah she felt like she was “playing it safe” and it sounded like there was “a lion that needs to be let loose” through her voice. Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan seemingly agreed with Katy’s comments.
Then, Katy asked if Mariah could sing “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt. Mariah knew the song, and poured her heart into her performance, which was powerful and raw.
That was exactly what the judges were wanting to hear from Mariah. Luke was teary-eyed, and said he had chills the whole time she sang.
Watch Mariah pay tribute to her stepdad with her beautiful performances of “Whenever You Come Around” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” below. He’d be so proud of how far she’s come…
