Genevieve Heyward Advances to Top 30 With Brandi Carlile Cover on American Idol
Wisconsin native Genevieve Heyward moved into the Top 30 on American Idol after singing brandi carlile’s "The Story" during Hollywood Week, a performance that judges met with a standing ovation and that cemented her place in the next phase of the competition.
Live band and a standing ovation in Hollywood Week
On Monday night (March 2), Heyward delivered the song she has sung for years, performing with a full live band in the show’s Hollywood Week round. The 26-year-old rocker — nicknamed the "pickle girl" for her well-known love of pickles — wore a fringe-sleeved dress and black boots and finished the set to a standing ovation from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
Brandi Carlile choice paid off
Heyward’s choice of brandi carlile’s "The Story" pressed the song’s demand for raw emotion and vocal power; judges praised her range and stage command after she completed the final note. Lionel Richie leaned to Carrie Underwood and noted, "Her voice is like on. She was clear, " while Luke Bryan told her she brought energy and ownership to the stage.
From Wisconsin venues to national TV
Heyward said the television experience pushed her beyond the bar and club settings where she built her early career across Wisconsin. She described the Hollywood Week performances as the most nerve-wracking thing she’s done and said she’s managing anxiety by staying off her phone, drinking more tea and getting more rest. Vocal coach Didi and her mother, Kim, watched from the sidelines as she took the stage.
The Golden Room reveal narrowed the field from 60 contestants to the Top 30; Heyward and fellow contestant Bella Emry both earned spots in that next phase after delivering standout interpretations of Brandi Carlile songs. Heyward had leaned on prior feedback from the judges — including a push from Luke Bryan to expand her vocal and emotional reach during performances.
With the judges’ praise and the acclaim that followed her March 2 performance, Heyward now advances to the Top 30 round of the competition, joining others who moved forward from Hollywood Week.
American Idol airs every Monday at 7 p. m. ET; viewers can watch the Top 30 phase as the competition continues on the show’s regular weekly broadcast.
