UPDATE: After Julia Davo and Alyssa Raghu’s American Idol auditions went viral, Alyssa is speaking out after receiving vitriol on the internet.
In her explanation, Raghu expressed disappointment in the editors at Idol, claiming they edited the episode to look more nefarious than it really was.
Fans are up in arms after a former American Idol contestant seemingly stole her best friend’s audition.
As the viral clip revealed, a 20-year-old woman named Julia appeared in the audition room where judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie waited. She told the famous panel that she had dreams of becoming “America’s next female rock star.”
RELATED: ‘American Idol’ Alum C.J. Harris’s Cause of Death Revealed
Julia chose David Bowie’s Life on Mars as her audition song. The judges had good things to say about Julie but ultimately decided not to send her to Hollywood.
As Julia left the room, her best friend Alyssa Raghu waited for her outside the door. If you’re a die hard American Idol fan, then Alyssa may look familiar to you. WATCH:
Five years ago, Alyssa was a contestant on the show when she was just 15 years old. In fact, Alyssa made it all the way to the Top 8 before being voted off.
Despite her friend’s disappointment, Alyssa saw an opportunity and took it. During her time on the show, Alyssa said she was told to continue nurturing her voice as it continue to grow until she was 21.
“I know you said my voice was going to grow until it was 21, and you said that when I was 15,” Alyssa explained to the judges. “But just for giggles, I’d love to sing you something.”
Alyssa then continued to sing My All by Mariah Carey. Julia looked increasingly uncomfortable as she watched her friend sing.
Her performance garnered praise from Katy Perry, who told Alyssa, “You have grown!” And that’s when Alyssa saw another opportunity, telling the judges that if they’ll have her, she’d love to compete on the show again this season.
“Wait, what are you telling me? Are you telling me you want to audition for this season, like six years later,” Perry, clearly irritated with her head in her hands, asked Alyssa.
“I know it’s in your hands, but it’s like why not?” Alyssa responded. Perry called the experience a “really weird plot twist,” before adding that she didn’t see Alyssa winning.
But Bryan and Richie had other plans and voted Alyssa through, exacerbating the situation for Perry, who nearly walked off the set. Julia, on camera, was a good sport telling Alyssa she “deserved it.”
After the audition caused clear discourse among American Idol fans, Alyssa took to Instagram to clarify the situation.
“Definitely a bittersweet moment. What they didn’t show was me constantly begging Julia to come on the show with me, but unfortunately the judges said no,” Alyssa claimed. “Being able to grow up on this show is something so special to my heart, I want to thank the @americanidol family for teaching me so much throughout the years and showcasing me at my realest moments.”
She then shared a “huge thank you to @juliadavz for true friendship and incredible memories. Thank you all for watching, stay tuned for the next episode!”
Wow…
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.