Kyle Tanguay (age 21), a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader from Rochester, New Hampshire sang a cover of “Mercy” by Shawn Mendes during his audition on American Idol 2020 (Season 18).
“Mercy” was co-written by Canadian singer and songwriter Shawn Mendes with Ilsey Juber, Danny Parker and Teddy Geiger. It was released in August 2016 as the third promotional single, and later as the second single on October 18, 2016, from his second studio album, Illuminate. The song peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Kyle said he had no prior experience in singing nor a private vocal lesson in his life. But he gave an amazing performance and earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood when he got all “Yes” votes from American Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Kyle Tanguay had a grand entrance when he burst into the audition room with the whole Philadelphia Eagles Cheer Squad behind him. He said he auditioned for the squad in 2019 and became one of the first male cheerleaders of the Eagles in the history of the organization and said he considers them as his family.
Upon the request of Katy Perry, Kyle and the Philadelphia Eagles Cheer squad performed a cheer for Kyle’s audition.
After Kyle sang, Lionel commented, “You know people always ask me, ‘did you start out in church?’. No, I said I came out of the shower and onto the stage with the Commodores. And I know that sounds really weird but some people just have that shower touch.”
Luke Bryan said, “You’ve got some work to do. It’s not going to be an easy route. But if you can grow fast, really fast, you’re gonna do pretty well. I’m a “Yes”.
Katy Perry commented, “Kyle, obviously you have no previous experience and sometimes that’s good. But you do need to pick the right keys. You need to keep it interesting from the first note on. But I personally am a fan of you.”
That comment made Kyle ecstatic, since he said at the outset that he’s a big fan of Katy Perry.
Lionel tempered Kyle’s excitement and reminded him, “So, know you’ve got some stiff competition. But from one shower singer to another, it’s a Yes!”
That was enough to send Kyle and his squad exploding in a loud cheer.
American Idol Season 18 premiered at 8PM, February 16, 2020 on ABC television and will air Sundays at 8/7c. Ryan Seacrest continues his role as the show’s host and Bobby Bones returns as the in-house mentor. Despite budget cuts, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie come back as judges for their third season of the series.
Also, check these topics out: American Idol Jonny West audition original song, Love Island 2020 Ched Luke T Luke M, Love Island 2020 winners, 2020 Oscars, American Idol Cyniah Elise You Are The Reason, What is The Masked Singer National Tour 2020. American Idol 2020: Kyle Tanguay audition “Mercy”. American Idol 2020: Kyle Tanguay audition “Mercy” | Shawn Mendes | Season 18.
