When Carrie Underwood recorded the NFL theme song “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” she probably never imagined that anyone would use it to audition for “American Idol.” But on Sunday night’s episode of the singing competition, an “Idol” hopeful named Yani did just that, surprising the judging panel with her unconventional song choice.
“I will be singing a song that perhaps is familiar,” she teased. “It’s pretty deep, and we’ll just see how you take it.”
Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Underwood herself chuckled when they realized what Yani was belting.
“I did not see that coming,” Richie admitted.
“You’re clever,” Underwood said. “You’re like ‘what have they not heard yet? What would be very different?‘”
Bryan called the performance “quite theatrical” and voted against sending Yani to Hollywood, but his peers disagreed, and the novelty of the performance ultimately benefitted the singer.
“I don’t know if you’re right for the show, but I can’t say no to your voice,” Underwood said.
“It’s so far out in left field, but you’re so damn good at it,” Richie added.
The Sunday-themed song was a fitting choice for Sunday night’s “American Idol” episode, which revealed the final auditions of Season 23.
“I’ve been waiting all day for Sunday night, and this is the best Sunday night ever,” Yani said.