Juan Pablo Galavis' Daughter Camila Auditions forAmerican Idoland Becomes the Youngest Contestant This Season — Watch!

Mar. 15, 2025

On Sunday night’s episode ofAmerican Idol,former participant onTheBachelorJuan Pablo Galavis' daughter Camila auditioned in front of judgesLuke Bryan,Katy PerryandLionel Richie. Not only did the 14-year-old singer charm the judging panel, she brought out her father who spoke about how supportive he’s been of her musical aspirations.

Camila Galavis and Juan Pablo Galavis on ‘American Idol’ season 22.American Idol/YouTube

American Idol/YouTube

The reality series then cut to footage of Juan Pablo onThe Bachelor, which aired in 2014 when he was a single father to then-4-year-old Camila.

TheAmerican Idolhopeful eventually brought out her father and the two sweetly opened up about their relationship.

Camila confirmed that it was all her ambition that led her to being in front of the judges when she raised her hand and smiled after Perry asked, “Whose idea was this?”

“She’s been singing since she was little, and the opportunity came, and she wanted to do it,” Juan Pablo shared. “I said, ‘I don’t know if you’re old enough.’ That was last year. ‘Well, maybe next year.’ And then here she is.”

The vocalist admitted that it would make her feel more comfortable if her father stayed to watch her perform, so he took a seat at the piano and she broke into a rendition of the Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina’s ballad “Rabia."

Camila Galavis auditioning for ‘American Idol’ season 22.Disney/Eric McCandless

Disney/Eric McCandless

Camila proved to have an alluring sound with vocals fit for a Latin pop star, becoming more confident throughout the performance and even looking at her father at one point to see his reaction.

Because her vocals did sound “young” at times, the judges were a bit hesitant in their discussion of whether she should make it to Hollywood.

“You’ve got a good voice. It sounds a little young. It’s got lots of personality. It’s very youthful,” Perry said. “I’m just looking for some of those notes that could come out and really compete with the other contestants.”

“Love your confidence. Love your personality. It’s very listenable,” thecountrymusic star added. “I think your biggest hurdle is the big, high notes are still giving you a little bit of trouble. I mean you’re so young, I just don’t know if you’re ready yet.”

Richie, 74, admitted that he agreed with Bryan in terms of her inexperience and ultimately gave her a no.

The “Country Girl” singer continued, “I think the right producer could take your voice and cut a hit album on you right now. But in this competition, I think you’re going to get swallowed up a little bit.”

Perry ended up giving Camila the go-ahead because of her “pop voice” and how popular Spanish music is in the industry right now, which convinced Bryan to also give her the green light to compete in the next round. “I wrote no on my page, but then I told you the right producer could make you a hit song,” he said. “So, I’m giving you a yes just based on that because you’ve got a radio tone.”

‘American Idol’ judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

Camila is now the youngest contestant on the 22nd season ofAmerican Idol.

She’s also not the onlychild of a celebrity to make it on the showthis season. Country music legendLoretta Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell auditioned and ended up wowing the entire panel with her performance of an original song titled “Skinny.”

“I think I am a little timid, and I think it is because I want to own my voice,” the 25-year-old told the three hitmakers on the late Februaryepisode. “That’s why I want to challenge myself and come out here.”

Despite her nerves, the Nashville-based singer was commended for her songwriting abilities and original sound — earning a yes from all three judges to make her way to Hollywood.

American Idolreturned for season 22 on Feb. 18. This Sunday’s episode featured the last of the auditions, so fans can expect the Hollywood round to kick off next week.

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American Idolairs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

source: people.com