Five Lesser Known Things About 18-Year-Old American Idol Contestant Alyssa Wray

Alyssa Wray has been leading the way in ‘American Idol’ with her voice. Here are five key things you might have not known about the 18-year-old Kentucky girl.

Alyssa Wray was the highlight on the show since her first interview at American Idol. The 18-year-old is one of the artists hoping to make it to the top seven during the May 2 results episode. Over the course of season 19, Alyssa surprised the judges with her powerful performances.

The singer recently performed Keala Settle’s “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman for Idol’s Oscars Night. So, who is Alyssa Wray? Here’s what you need to know about season 19 contestant Alyssa.

1.) She Made A Grand Audition Entry

During her audition for the American Idol 19 season, Alyssa played “I’m Changing” by Jennifer Hudson. Lionel Richie was so moved by Alyssa’s wonderful words that she burst into tears.

She had to leave her seat and turn her back on Alyssa to calm down. Lionel, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan gave Alyssa lods of praises. All three sent her directly to Hollywood.

2.) Alyssa Hails From A Tiny Town In Kentucky

Alyssa lives in Perryville, Kentucky. She has revealed in an interview video that only 750 people live in her small town.

“When I was growing up, I always stood out,” Alyssa said. “I am a six-foot-tall Black woman with a outspoken voice. I was always bright and out of the box, and I put on along with everything. ”

3.) This Is Alyssa’s Second Audition For American Idol

“I had auditioned by sophomore year (of high school) and did not get past the first round,” Alyssa told YourSportsEdge.com. The singer didn’t give up on her dream. She auditioned virtually as part of Idol Across America, and is now a season 19 finalist!

4.) Alyssa’s Best-friend Is Also A Contestant On American Idol

Alyssa has posted many Instagram photos with her former Idol teammates, most notably Grace Kinstler. They understand each other well!

All you need is love…and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for showing @gracekinstlerofficial and I so much of it after last night,” Alyssa captioned a sweet Instagram photo on March 23.

5.) She Is Currently A Student

Alyssa is a freshman at North Kentucky University.

She is a musician, of course. However, she is not sure if she will return to school after the Idol is over.

“I’m still confused a bit,” she told Cincinnati.com. “I have a lot of options for myself right now. But I love LA. I never thought I’d love LA as much as I do. I used to think I’d never come out to LA because I used to hate riding planes, but I love LA a lot, so that’s definitely on my radar.”