Alright music lovers get ready to meet your potential next obsession: Kolbi Jordan. She's hitting the stage on Season 23 of American Idol and let me tell you early buzz is HUGE. We are talking serious talent a voice that gives you chills and a story that's just getting started. So who is Kolbi and why is everyone already talking winner?
Patti LaBelle on Speed Dial? Lionel Richie's Surprise Call and Kolbi's Jaw-Dropping Audition Story
Okay picture this. Kolbi Jordan walks into her American Idol audition and reveals her all-time favorite singer is the one and only Patti LaBelle. Fast forward a bit and after Kolbi belts out a soulful performance of Chrisette Michele's "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)" judge Lionel Richie does something completely unexpected. He whips out his phone and calls Patti LaBelle RIGHT THERE. Yes the actual legend Patti LaBelle.
Can you even imagine being Kolbi in that moment? Lionel Richie introduces her to Patti over the phone and Patti LaBelle being the queen she is gives Kolbi encouragement and good luck wishes. Talk about a dream come true! And the judges? They were completely blown away. Lionel Richie himself said he knew Kolbi was "nothing to play with" as soon as she mentioned Patti LaBelle. Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan were just as impressed giving her yes votes across the board sending her straight to Hollywood.
But the surprises didn't stop there. After her amazing audition Kolbi got another crazy opportunity. The Idol judges invited her to sing at a Tennessee Titans football game. And during the game Lionel Richie Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood surprised her again this time with a PLATINUM TICKET. If you are not familiar a platinum ticket is a HUGE deal. It means Kolbi gets to skip the first week of Hollywood Week giving her a major advantage over the competition.
From Church Choir to Center Stage: Kolbi Jordan's Journey to American Idol Dreams
So where did this incredible talent come from? Kolbi is from Tulsa Oklahoma and her musical journey started way back in church. Gospel music is her jam and she has been singing in church since she was practically a baby. In fact she started leading her church's praise team when she was only 11 years old. Eleven! That is seriously impressive.
Singing has been part of Kolbi's life since she was just four years old. As a teenager she even had her own gospel group and was the lead Contralto for her school's jazz group. She clearly has been working on her voice and performance skills for a long time. It's not just a hobby for her. As she wrote on Facebook back in 2023 "Music is in my veins. Fear BE GONE. Singing is not my hobby. It is my gift and music is a huge chunk of my story. I want to share my creativity.”
Before American Idol Kolbi was already performing locally and even starred in her high school's production of Shrek playing the Dragon. She even sang the National Anthem at her high school graduation. She's definitely no stranger to the stage. But American Idol is a whole different level and Kolbi seems ready for it.
Platinum Ticket Advantage: Kolbi's Got a Leg Up on the Competition But the Real Race is Just Starting
That platinum ticket is a game changer. Skipping the first week of Hollywood Week is a massive advantage in a competition as tough as American Idol. It gives Kolbi extra time to prepare rest and strategize while other contestants are battling it out in the early rounds. She is already ahead of the curve and the judges clearly see star potential in her giving her that platinum ticket in such a public way.
Kolbi herself is still processing everything. She told news outlets that it has been a "crazy ride" and she is "so blessed" and "so grateful". She said she was "not expecting this" level of recognition but she is ready to work hard and make the most of this amazing opportunity. Getting the platinum ticket and the Patti LaBelle co-sign in the very first episode? That is a pretty incredible start to her American Idol journey.
Key Facts About American Idol Season 23 Standout Kolbi Jordan:
- Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Age: 26
- Musical Style: Gospel R&B Soul
- Favorite Singer: Patti LaBelle
- Early Musical Experience: Singing since age 4 leading church praise teams since age 11 gospel groups in her teens.
- American Idol Season 23: Contestant received a platinum ticket in the premiere episode.
- Audition Song: "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)" by Chrisette Michele
- Judges' Reaction: Received unanimous "yes" votes from Lionel Richie Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
Will Kolbi Be the Next Big American Idol Winner? The Season 23 Journey is Just Beginning
Is Kolbi Jordan destined to be the next American Idol winner? It is still early days of course. American Idol is known for its twists turns and unexpected breakouts. But Kolbi has definitely made a HUGE first impression. She has the voice the personality and now the platinum ticket advantage. She is starting this competition with serious momentum and the support of some major music legends and the Idol judges themselves.
One thing is for sure: Kolbi Jordan is an artist to watch this season. Keep an eye on her journey on American Idol Season 23 . She just might be the next big star to come out of that iconic show and maybe even get some Patti LaBelle pie if she wins it all. The race to become the next American Idol is on and Kolbi Jordan is definitely a frontrunner to keep an eye on.