Great White Singer Brett Carlisle Wows Judges with American Idol Audition
Brett Carlisle, the 28-year-old Alabama native who fronts classic hard-rock band Great White, earned a golden ticket to the Hollywood round of American Idol after a show-stopping audition that left the judges cheering. Carlisle performed the band’s ballad "House of Broken Love" alongside bandmates Mark Kendall and Michael Lardie during a recent audition episode and moved forward unanimously.
Song choice and stage moment
Carlisle and his bandmates opened with the emotive ballad "House of Broken Love, " tapping into the polished, larger-than-life delivery that helped land him the Great White gig in 2022. The performance showcased Carlisle's dynamic range and rock belting, and the chemistry with Kendall and Lardie underscored a live-band energy not often seen in the audition room.
Judges offer unanimous praise
The three judges were unanimous in their reaction. Lionel Richie suggested Carlisle could become a defining rock presence on the show, telling him that when he leans into rock he could be "the poster child for this. " Carrie Underwood was visibly excited, applauding the band and even asking them to play another Great White hit, "Once Bitten, Twice Shy, " for her own enjoyment. The endorsements translated to a golden ticket and a clear path to the next phase of the competition.
Bandmates bring the live-machine energy
Carlisle was quick to credit his bandmates for the audition’s impact. He called Mark Kendall and Michael Lardie "legends" and echoed Lionel Richie’s remark about having a rock "machine" behind him, adding that he was proud to perform with the musicians who have supported him since joining the group. Kendall described the Idol experience as a long but thrilling day, noting they were happy to back Carlisle and support the opportunity.
Personal reaction and support
After the audition aired, Carlisle reflected on the experience and the outpouring of support from friends and family who traveled to the studio. He described the golden ticket moment as a dream come true and said seeing so many supporters in the crowd was the most emotional part of the day. Carlisle also spoke about the inspiration he took from past Great White frontmen, noting a respect for the band’s history and the vocal versatility that defines a strong singer.
What’s next for Carlisle and the band
With a pass to Hollywood secured, Carlisle will compete against other advancing contestants at the next stage of the season. Auditions continue with the Feb. 16 episode (Eastern Time), and the field will be narrowed as hopefuls vie for a spot in later rounds. Carlisle remains active with Great White off-camera: he joined the band in 2022 as their fourth frontman after a lineup change and the group has U. S. live dates scheduled for 2026 alongside fellow glam metal touring acts.
The audition offered a rare moment on the singing competition: a current rock-frontman stepping into the show's spotlight with his band in tow and leaving judges asking for an encore. Whether Carlisle’s rock credentials carry him deep into the season will unfold in the Hollywood round, where versatility and showmanship are often decisive.
