Max And Laela Dasher Shine In American Idol Season 22 Auditions

Season 22 of American Idol got a double dose of young country talent during the third round of auditions on Sunday night (March 3). Max and Laela Dasher, two young performers and siblings hailing from North Carolina, both tried out with back-to-back auditions during the show — and both selected classic country songs for their performances. Their presence added excitement to the competition and showcased the rich tradition of country music.

First up was Max, who sang "Rock Salt and Nails," an old bluegrass and folk tune commonly credited to labor organizer Utah Phillips. This song has a rich history, being recorded by renowned artists like Waylon Jennings and Earl Scruggs, as well as modern singers like Tyler Childers and Willie Watson. Max's interpretation of the song drew praise from the judges, and they recognized his potential as a strong contender in the competition.

Max's voice drew praise from all three Idol judges — though Luke Bryan had to give him a quick lesson on stage presence — and they ultimately voted unanimously to send him through to the next round of competition. The encouragement from the judges highlighted the importance of both vocal talent and stage presence in the world of performance.

Next up was Laela, who, at age 20, is two years older than her brother Max. She brought him back into the audition room to back her on guitar, performing a quavering rendition of John Prine's "Angel From Montgomery" during her time in front of the judges. Laela's heartfelt performance showcased her deep connection to her music, and Katy Perry confirmed, "It's definitely in the DNA." This sentiment emphasized the strong bond between the siblings and their shared love for music.

While Laela's performance had its highlights, the judges felt her volume was a little lacking. Bryan requested that the sibling pair sing a snippet of something that featured vocal harmony, and after that performance, Lionel Richie called their music "magical." He cast his vote to send Laela through to Hollywood, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and taking feedback in a competitive environment.

However, Perry voted no, leaving Bryan to be the tie-breaker. After some deliberation, he declared, "I'm not busting y'all up; I'm giving you a 'yes'!" This moment showcased the judges' role in nurturing talent and making tough decisions, often balancing their personal preferences with the potential they see in contestants.

Siblings in the competition often make for especially compelling Idol storylines, with fans wondering which one will be eliminated first. That’s not the only special country edge the Dashers will bring to Idol this season: They’ve got a connection to the Duck Dynasty family. This connection adds an interesting layer to their story, as it provides a glimpse into their family background and influences.

A look at their social media pages reveals that the siblings’ mom and dad are Jill and Zach Dasher; Phil Robertson is Zach’s maternal uncle. The whole Dasher family was behind the scenes during Laela and Max’s auditions, and after word got out that both siblings had made it through to the next round, Laela posted a photo of the family celebrating on the Idol audition stage. This sense of support from family is crucial in a competitive field like music.

Members of the Duck Dynasty family were cheering on Laela and Max in the comments section of their posts. "THE BEST," Sadie Robertson wrote in response to Laela's celebration post. Korie Robertson, wife to Willie Robertson, also cheered the siblings on in response to Max's post announcing his Golden Ticket. "Woohoo!! You did so good!!" she wrote, further emphasizing the sense of community and encouragement within the family.

The Dasher siblings are not the only contestants on Idol this season who have big country connections: Loretta Lynn's granddaughter, Emmy Russell, is also competing. Noah Peters, aka viral social media star "The Singing Barber," is in the running, too. The diverse range of talent this season highlights the show's ability to draw in contestants from various musical backgrounds.

American Idol airs on Sunday nights on ABC. Once again, the show will find judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie working together to find the best undiscovered vocal stars across the country. As we follow the journey of these talented individuals, we can expect to see emotional performances and inspiring stories unfold.

It’ll be Perry’s last season on the show; she recently announced plans to vacate her judging role after seven years. Her departure signifies a new chapter for the show, as it continues to evolve and discover fresh talent.