A Rising Star with Swift-like Qualities: Zaylie Windsor Shines on ‘American Idol’
Carrie Underwood might have just found the next Taylor Swift in the world of music, and it happened on American Idol. During the March 30 episode of the popular singing competition, 18-year-old contestant Zaylie Windsor captivated the judges with her heartfelt original song titled “The Used.” Her performance, which she had penned years ago at the age of 14, featured her emotional lyrics and the strumming of an acoustic guitar, leaving the panel of judges mesmerized.
As Zaylie sang, Lionel Richie, one of the Idol judges, was particularly impressed by her maturity in songwriting. “You wrote that at the ripe old age of 14?” he asked, astonished by her talent. The moment then shifted to Carrie Underwood, who expressed her thoughts about the young contestant’s performance. Underwood, 42, praised Zaylie for her ability to showcase a wide range of vocal dynamics, from a soft, focused delivery to a soaring, powerful sound. “You showed us a lot in your voice,” Underwood said, adding that she was equally impressed by the original song, hinting that Windsor’s artistry showed great promise.
Zaylie, who wore a hairstyle reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s iconic look during the Red era, explained the inspiration behind her song. She shared that it was about the aftermath of a breakup and the personal journey of rediscovering who you are once that relationship ends. While Underwood and Richie were thoroughly impressed with her artistry, fellow judge Luke Bryan remained more skeptical. “Gosh, I don’t think she’s quite ready,” Bryan admitted. He went on to critique the song’s lyrics as being too simplistic, describing them as a “14-year-old level of song.”
However, Carrie Underwood remained steadfast in her belief that Zaylie had immense potential. “There’s a Taylor Swift-esque quality that she has,” Underwood observed, recognizing a certain charm in Zaylie’s performance despite her youthful voice. “She doesn’t have this giant vibrato, belty voice, but there’s something in there,” Underwood added. She explained that if Zaylie had written such a song at the age of 14, she likely had a lot more in her repertoire. This endorsement from Underwood, combined with Richie’s approval, ultimately earned Zaylie a golden ticket to Hollywood, where she will continue her journey in the competition.
After receiving the good news, Zaylie expressed her gratitude toward Carrie Underwood for championing her talent. “Carrie is incredible, so it’s an honor to have her fight for me like that,” the teen said in an emotional moment. Zaylie’s unique blend of songwriting talent, youthful energy, and potential to grow into an accomplished artist made her stand out among the competition.
The episode also featured other memorable moments, such as when contestant Gabe James earned his golden ticket after a performance that reminded Carrie Underwood of Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing—though the comparison was more humorous than flattering to Gabe. Despite the occasional joke, the judges had the tough task of narrowing down the talent, and they couldn’t help but marvel at Zaylie’s unique qualities.
As American Idol Season 23 continues to unfold, viewers can expect more surprises, incredible performances, and perhaps even the rise of the next great musical sensation. Stay tuned for more thrilling moments as the competition heats up.
American Idol airs every Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.