Atlanta teen Isabel Gonzalez gets the go ahead on ‘American Idol’

On Jan. 23, Isabel Gonzalez from Alpharetta High School in North Atlanta competed on “American Idol” and received the Hollywood go ahead from all four judges. Could Isabel follow in the footsteps of Lauren Alaina and Phillip Phillips, two other competitors from Georgia that soared to success on the FOX singing competition?

On the current season of “American Idol,” anyone can nominate a singer that wouldn’t normally audition. Isabel Gonzalez’s aunt nominated her niece and Randy Jackson traveled to Alpharetta High School to surprise the 16-year-old teenager. During her audition, Isabel sang “Nothing Could Ever Change” by Sam Cooke. The judges were blown away by her blues-infused version of the song. Nicki Minaj exclaimed, “I’m absolutely head over heals in love with you!” Keith Urban added, “You’re a natural. That’s what it takes.” Mariah Carey predicted, “People are going to fall in love with you because you are a star.” Isabel received the go ahead from all four judges and advances to the Hollywood rounds. After handing out the golden ticket, the judges couldn’t stop talking about their newest star. Keith Urban stated excitedly, “She’s a bright light, nice and easy. That’s how you do it.” To watch Isabel’s audition on “American Idol, check out the video on YouTube.

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Fans of Isabel Gonzalez have been lighting up Twitter with positive comments about the Atlanta teen. Below are a few posts from Jan. 23 and 24.

• “I’m going to watch American Idol because of Isabel Gonzalez.” – Chrys
• “Isabel Gonzalez is such a cutie. Her voice, her style, her presence. She has the potential to get a lot of votes.” – Phoebe Naguit
• “Isabel Gonzalez is definitely someone that could be the next American Idol.” – Sarah
• “Really enjoyed Isabel Gonzalez. She seems like she didn’t scratch the surface.” – Robert Anton

If she does well in Hollywood and later rounds, Isabel Gonzalez could follow in the footsteps of other Georgia competitors that did very well on “American Idol.” Lauren Alaina competed during season 10, came in second place and won over millions of fans. Although she lost to Scotty McCreery, the Georgia peach from Rossville continues to enjoy success. Her debut album “Wildflower” released in 2011 and debuted at #5 on the US Billboard 200. She’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry and opened for Jason Aldean and Sugarland. Alaina is currently working on her second studio album.

Phillip Phillips from Leesburg won season 11 on “American Idol.” During the finale, he defeated Jessica Sanchez and his song “Home” went on to become the best-selling coronation song of all time. His debut album “The World from the Side of the Moon” released on Nov. 6 and debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200. RIAA certified the album Gold earlier this month. Phillip Phillips is set to tour with Matchbox Twenty in 2013.

Can Isabel Gonzalez do as well as Lauren Alaina and Phillip Phillips did on “American Idol?” Georgia contestants certainly seem to shine. Stay tuned.

“American Idol” airs at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX 5 in Atlanta.

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