There are so many talented singers competing on American Idol season 19, but Ava August really stands out. Ava is the youngest contestant in the competition at just 15 years old. She has consistently impressed the judges every time she’s performed.
Even though she’s just 15, this isn’t Ava’s first time on a singing competition series. From her past on The Voice to her original music, get to know this rising American Idol star. She’s a contestant to watch out for this season!
1. Ava auditioned with an original song.
For her American Idol audition, Ava sang her original song “Neighbor Boy.” All three of the judges praised her performance. “You’ve got an old soul sound that comes out very fresh,” Lionel Richie told Ava. She moved on to Hollywood Week and performed “We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes and “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn.
2. She was on ‘The Voice’ before ‘American Idol.’
She tried out for The Voice season 16 when she was just 13 years old. Ava performed a gorgeous rendition of “House of the Rising Sun.” None of the coaches turned around, unfortunately, but this experience led her straight to American Idol!
3. Ava’s not intimidated being the youngest in the competition.
She revealed in a post-audition interview that she thinks being the youngest is an “advantage because it’s definitely something that people can also remember me for, being the youngest, and hopefully it adds the spotlight on my name and helps people remember me.”
4. She’s already released her own music.
Ava released the single “Daybreak” in 2020. Prior to “Daybreak,” Ava dropped the singles “Magic” and “Gone.” The original song “Neighbor Boy” that she performed for her audition is new!
5. She can play multiple instruments.
For her audition, Ava played the piano. For the first Hollywood Week round, Ava played the guitar. On her Instagram page, the singer has also shown she can play the ukulele as well.