What the heck just happened?! Thank you everyone for caring about what I have to say musically!!

@raphaelmorreale5799

2 ай бұрын

You killed it man! I can’t stop listening. Definitely a unique talent. I hope you go far! 🚌 🎶 🍪

@melioavilez

2 ай бұрын

You need a channel just for your Jazz Wagon bro. I’m definitely impressed and I’m glad to see real musician around. 😊

@KevinP2

2 ай бұрын

As good as the lyrics are, I really like your singing more!

@tylorwetmore

2 ай бұрын

Its was great to watch! Good luck!

@mazdeea

2 ай бұрын

So cool!!!

When you challenge a musical genius to sing an unfinished song and you get blown away.

@TheFinalVenue

2 ай бұрын

Wait, but that wasn't Charlie Puth?

@gillowens24

2 ай бұрын

He is fabulous so talent so smart

@HeartFeelings.Sharing

2 ай бұрын

Exactly 😂😂😂

@davidplays008

2 ай бұрын

He will be in the top 10 for sure

@geoffginnard1195

2 ай бұрын

There's professionals that couldn't pull that off

I went to highschool with this guy! Played in marching band with him for a year. Every morning during band camp he’d make everyone pancakes so yes I can testify his baking is amazing😂 and his musical and singing talent has always been incredible, I’m so beyond excited for him!

@katieklein1849

2 ай бұрын

Wow! He is a man of many talents! Did he have his school bus then?

@EqualsOMG

2 ай бұрын

pancakes aren't baked

@doodlepops707

2 ай бұрын

@@EqualsOMG Cookies are though. Stop being a negative Nancy.

@marcsteven732

2 ай бұрын

can wait to see him do great !

@pashamorris1497

2 ай бұрын

​@@doodlepops707id bet instead of Nancy she is a KAREN! MAD AT THE WORLD BC SHE RAN OUTTA HER "BAREFOOT SWEET RED WINE" SUPPLY

Went to high school with this guy! He deserves all the success that's coming for him!!

@katieklein1849

2 ай бұрын

Tell us more!!!

@berealsupportive2744

2 ай бұрын

Yes go on.. Where you guys from? :)

@katieklein1849

2 ай бұрын

@@berealsupportive2744 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin..I believe?

@jackya

2 ай бұрын

That's awesome. I'm so excited for him and I've never met him. I hope he goes far. His song was great.

@laura_lovesbux

2 ай бұрын

And they each signed something in his bus. How awesome!

the joy on his face when Katy said "elton john and billie joel.." so wholesome

One thing y’all have to know is, is CJ really is this talented, the genuine, this loving, and more. Absolute musical genius too.

@emeldafernando9193

2 ай бұрын

A musical gem… His artistry is just amazing even with what he did to the bus! A’s to that! I’m hooked.

@arizjones

2 ай бұрын

Do you know him? He sure seems like the real thing.

@MPMcDonald

2 ай бұрын

I don't think he'll win American Idol, (but I hope I'm wrong!) but I think he'll use it as a stepping stone. The sky is the limit. American Idol will open doors for him and that's all he needs. As soon as he started playing, he reminded me of Elton John.

Sang in choir in high school with CJ and he was always a rock star. Awesome to see him make it big!

@katieklein1849

2 ай бұрын

That is awesome! Was he as talented then?

@janetlawson4482

2 ай бұрын

That’s awesome! I’m happy for him, he’s eccentric but usually the eccentric ones are very creative.

@qyk837

2 ай бұрын

Cap

@heyitslolz

2 ай бұрын

@@katieklein1849 He was! Always had amazing solos in our choirs/show choirs and won a ton of competitions/rewards. He always supported the other members of the choir and encouraged people to perform. Our old teacher Mr. Buckles taught us well! 🙂

Please don't let the industry change this young man, as soon as he started singing i was thinking Elton John! PLEASE PLEASE DON'T CHANGE THIS YOUNGSTER'S STYLE!!!

@RA82828

2 ай бұрын

agree but...... he must modify to fit into a format that will be played on the radio and appeal to the masses if he wants to make money and be successful and NOT just play coffee houses the rest of his LONG life. Hope he stays true to his original roots though for sure, is all I ask.

@diggrduggr1

2 ай бұрын

Feel the same way except Billy Joel popped into my mind.

@genesiscruz2000

2 ай бұрын

If he wins, they'll make him the next pop star😅.

@stephanienorthcutt1309

2 ай бұрын

Right when he started playing the piano I told my husband he kind of has an Elton John style. Then he started singing and I was like dang. He definitely reminds me of Elton and Billy Joel.

@MIANSOMU

2 ай бұрын

@@RA82828today is easier with KZread and Spotify, instagram, but still he needs to be courageous and not greedy.

He didn’t even get to really sing what he wanted to. To sing a song he wrote the day before is beyond impressive. I can’t wait to see what he sings and does next.

Gotta say, I've been watching Idol off and on for years... this was definitely a 'top 10' fave audition! (The judges were soooo encouraging and soooo refreshing, in a world of soooo many haters.)

@vmilu9653

2 ай бұрын

I agree

@Tynap7

2 ай бұрын

Spot on! Love his audition & so much talent…

@mbcrandell7766

2 ай бұрын

The singer/songwriter in the bus he built took me back to the late 60’s wow! Well done❤❤

everything about this was brilliant lmao

@factsoverfeelings7828

2 ай бұрын

Everything! 😁

I AM A 70yo ENGLISHMAN and right now I SOOO want to get an old school bus and just GOOO!!!

I don't want idol to ruin his vibe. please protect this dude. don't you ever change, brother.

Don’t sleep on this guy, he could be a big surprise on AI this season.

@adamalexander9685

2 ай бұрын

They didn’t even give him a chance 😢

Such a talented young man, with a free soul, making his own adventures as he travels in his jazz wagon! At 22, not only does he have a great timber in his voice, an accomplished, pianist and writer - but also a great imagination, and executor in the creation of his school bus conversion. What an outstanding individual! I can’t wait to see his journey!

@HeartFeelings.Sharing

2 ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

Probably the best songwriter they've ever had on the show. Dude is a musical genius.

Lionel like a kid in a candy store in that bus!!

This IS the guy! I have a feeling.

@FesteringRatSub

2 ай бұрын

same

@vivshij1349

2 ай бұрын

Yuppp

Put on the spot to do a song he started writing yesterday. Lovely piano playing, pleasing 'piano man' vocal with soul and an interesting vibrato. Smart, beautiful lyrics too. - So You Wanna Be A Singer

@RA82828

2 ай бұрын

Totally agree - amazing lyrics and yes the vibrato was interesting and wonderful. So awesome to see the judges get on his bus and give him such encouragement.

@robertantonnyc

2 ай бұрын

Yes, they can be so nurturing. Love it! @@RA82828

@LeesReviews69

2 ай бұрын

He’s amazing

@lindafrance9192

2 ай бұрын

I would have also loved to have heard him sing the song he originally intended.

@katiegraham6149

2 ай бұрын

@@lindafrance9192I know!! I wish they would have let him sing the one he had planned, too! I loved his impromptu unfinished song though. I’m excited to see what he does next with an actually finished and rehearsed song 😂

He is fun, he owns his own lane, and there's a big place for him in that unique space. Now the contestant I am most interested in seeing more of, all the way to the final!

Most original contestant with amazing song writing skills. I love how quirky and different he is ❤

An unfinished song. Haven't even memorized the lyrics yet. On national TV. He handled the pressure really well. Kudos!

At last a proper musical creator who just needs to be given the keys to the door of fame and a long career. He’s got the lot and a killer voice. What an individual

I met him today on Showboat Branson Belle. He is the most humble and genuine person. We are all routing for him to win!!!

My favorite so far. I feel like that song could be from a movie.

@lisataylor-young7795

2 ай бұрын

Yes yes yes!!

Went to high school with CJ and sang with him in choir. Awesome to see him doing great things with music! Very talented young man.

This guy is AMAZING! Only 22! Go CJ!

CJ Rislove you’re the magic life is made of! Keep being you!

He is the best effortless talent and true performer I've seen on this show in years. BS he didn't get the platinum ticket but hope he gets the recognition he deserves on the show. He could do a concert tomorrow and have it effortlessly filled as Elton and Billy talent doesn't exist like this anymore! 💕🙌

“They only got where they are bc they had each other from a million miles away” Just. Wow.

Talented guy, went to school with him and guy is totally genuine in what he does .. wonderful in choir aswell

#TEAMCJ They have no idea what AUTHENTIC PRESENCE they have in front of them??!?? CJ is one of a kind like no other… JUST WAIT you all haven’t seen anything yet!! LETSSSSSSSS GOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

@tomtomlinson4826

2 ай бұрын

I think they do.

@FesteringRatSub

2 ай бұрын

yea they know, they wanted in on his fun world

@LifeAfterKidsjourneyunknown

2 ай бұрын

@@tomtomlinson4826 bruh not what I ment 🤣🤣

@LifeAfterKidsjourneyunknown

2 ай бұрын

@@FesteringRatSub not what I ment. We know him personally and know what he can do… just wait till he really lets loose!!

@tomtomlinson4826

2 ай бұрын

I understand. I just think the judges have an idea of the depth of his talent. @@LifeAfterKidsjourneyunknown

I just love Lionel’s reaction he truly respects creative people, and real musicians 😊

Katy loves musicians, you can tell!! This man's voice is unique and impressive ❤️ I definitely felt Elton John-ish

Was NOT expecting that voice. Beautiful!!!!!!

He is a cool guy on every dimension. Authentic, entertaining, great voice.

This guy is a real deal songwriter, arranger, singer and keyboard/piano player with serious talent! We can't wait to see him and hear him perform more songs, he is impressive. Katy threw him her curve ball and he sat down and banged out a brand new song he didn't even have memorized...talent!

Top 10 that's good that someone can write songs like that

I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Astronaut & the Rockstar!! It made me cry!! It’s a love story- you HAVE to finish it & song it on A I!!!! You go C J !!!

Such a great energy. He'll be able to go as far as he wants to. Well done!

The infuriating part is that he really is this wholesome. He is a genuine person who believes what he is saying, and while us jaded folk might laugh and roll our eyes, you have to respect that CJ is who he is, and he's just living his life man. Love this guy.

What a genuinely decent and kind human CJ appears to be, let alone talented! 💕

CJ is a breath of fresh air, doing what he loves on his terms! Played you a song he hasn't even mastered yet and YOU, MYSELF, everyone loves both his music, his attitude and willingness to entertain, even if it wasn't perfect! This 73 year old retired US NAVY Viet Nam Vet loved him! This is the 4th time playing it through! ❤❤

😂 I just started to sing again and I happen to live in a converted bus as well!! Excellent audition!!

@AmongTheClouds49

Ай бұрын

Amazing it's my dream

The timbre of his voice and quality absolutely have potential; I like his voice et he can play well, very good! 💕💕💗💗🌸🔥 Parts of it reminded of, “ Bennie and the Jets”…👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

Proud to say I religiously went to the bar he was the karaoke DJ for last summer!! 🥰 the fact that Katy thought she could spook him and then got blown away is the EXACT reason why he’s gonna go far! The most genuinely good hearted and extremely talented soul I’ve ever met🥹💕💕💕

I don't normally write or give comments but this guy is sick!!!!!! 2024 winner ✊✊✊.

I don't understand why everytime I watch his audition, it almost makes me cry, he deserves to win this thing! Rooting for you!!!

One of the coolest audtions ever! Let's see where he goes on his Jazz Wagon!!! Cheers CJ!

Today's Billy Joel just showed up on American Idol...

Honestly this was amazing and to put him on the spot like that he handled it so well!! And I love his voice

Man this is pure genius .... Bless him man... he got it ...

His voice, song, and piano playing were so good. And the bus is amazing!

I want him to be the American Idol !! I have listen to this over and over.I love this song!!

Really impressive audition, he’s an amazing singer and I love that bus that he lives!

He looks like the male version of Julia Roberts..they look like twins...awesome voice

I smiled the whole time he talked and sang, and even when he toured the bus with the judges.

He's the first musical "Van Life" nomad I've seen. What a way to live through art and exploration. I wish this kid all the best and a route to success that doesn't strip this version of who he is now too harshly.

Love this guy's voice and lyrics....so cool

One of the coolest auditions. Loved the judges interest in seeing “the bus.”

Ok this has got to be The coolest thing Ever on American Idol. Fellow nomad/rver (now in place but still RV life) so def dig his bus!!!🚌. Awesome build. Plus What an amazing songwriter. Also first thought was Elton John. I like him. Look forward to seeing more from him.

Let me tell you that for me in particular, the special thing about your program is not the participants, but you, your natural and affective way, the grace that permeates each program. Thank you

I've watched lots of amazing auditions so far this season of incredible singers, but this is the first time that I have been absolutely blown away by a contestant's artistry. CJ is definitely someone to keep your eyes and ears on moving forward. He is going to win a lot of people over and I do mean A LOT! Stay true to yourself dude and don't let the machine try and change you. You are now my #1 pick for this season.

To go into an audition and be able to completely be your authentic self, even sing your own song, and not a cover. Having someone judge you solely off of that. Kudos! He made it look so easy.👏🏽❤️

@donthegardener8670

2 ай бұрын

Peace + Easy =s CJ's "Peasey" (Spiritual stress reducer)

Now THAT is someone who has grabbed onto life for the total adventure! Wow, wow, wow, what an awesome, and talented, guy! He's going to go far. Real far.

One of the finest song I heard from an original song performance.

My favorite audition so far... 😊 pls let him be the finalist.. 🙏

What a guy. Beautiful voice, beautiful soul. Knew what he wanted to do and just did it. I also love how entertained Katy is by the bus😂

I appreciate the massive sword mounted above the driver's seat of CJ's bus.

@KigenEkeson

2 ай бұрын

With all this kid has done in 22 years it probably represents The Sword of Damocles...reminds him to stay focused on the Good.

How that he didn’t makes top 24, he is so original.😢 maybe he still on the way driving his jazz bus😮

Such a talented dude with amazing energy. His song was brilliant!

And we have the next American idol!!! He is just awesome in every way ❤

SO ORIGINAL AND AUTHENTIC. A MODERN TAKE FROM A BYGONE ERA. THE WORLD NEEDS THIS GUY!

The talent this season is insane. This guy is top 3 if not the winner. Insane talent!

That's what its all about; envious of his freedom to create. Hope the fans vote.

Holy crap! What a voice! I did NOT see that coming!

Witnessing a genius right here! Lionel is so in love, it's so adorable! Good luck CJ!

This was absolutely the best and most awesome backstory! This guy is truly "connected". I love his earthiness and his amazing lyrics. I hope America falls in love with him.

He is by far my favorite audition yet… Creativity to the max

Favorite audition thus far! Love his lyrics. Such a good writer.

This is my favorite audition this year. I love this guy. His whole package is unique.

This was absolutely amazing. He is incredibly creative & talented as well as assertive and disciplined. He should be very proud of himself. I hope he goes far!

He is one of my top favorites! Hope to see him in the top 12! 😊🥰🌹❤️🙏🏾

They could have discovered a musical genius who doesn't know how good he is. Great songwriting skills and he can sang.

Very talented. I loved hearing his new song but it made me wish I heard his prepared song. I can't believe they didn't have him do both.

Hey CJ, you are my clear favourite. I'm backing you up. I don't need to hear anyone else. My third listen to your audition, this song will now play on repeat while continuing to write my love story novel, to Mars and back again, 6 years in the making, yours is up there with all the other greatest songwriters, with great lyrics, beautiful timbre, and now my inspiration to tuck back into it after a few months break. I can't wait to hear you play the piano again. Stay true to yourself, humbled. No need to do fancy runs, or be like anybody else, if you can sing and play like this, the right time, the write time for you. In kindred spirit, Eliza Most Beautiful Day is Today! Tuesday 12th of March 2023, 10:56am bed office Dulwich Hill, Sydney Australia xx

He's the reincarnation of some musical genius. Came back to earth to enlighten us as a more awakened soul perhaps 😍

I’m so surprised how many people have great things to say about him. And wow!! That song he wrote was really good. And like someone else said I hope the industry doesn’t change him. He’s too valuable just as he is!😁

He the winner, damn..its 🔥

One of my favorite auditions in a very long time! Very talented guy

I’ve played this like 85 times haha. I LOVE this song.

Love it when you witness an overnight success!!!

Very talented with amazing energy. I will be rooting for him.

If your put on the spot with a song you just wrote yesterday and you do this awesome your a real artist! Wow

Rooting for him! His aura is just bright and clear!

Awww man, may God bless this young man! I absolutely love his voice and energy. He is AWESOME!!!❤️

He surprised me, I kinda thought he might good but he really was great,and his piano playing is beautiful!

Love, love, love this guy, he’s like my generation.....a hippie from the 70’s but with discipline. I can’t wait to see what comes next for you young man. Hugs!

First of all I love his tone, it's jazzy and simply amazing. Secondly, you gotta love his cool vibe, and Thirdly and oddly, his last name, Rhislove. What a unique name!

I haven't been this in love since high school. What a fantastic artist!