A ‘Bring-The-House-Down’ Voice: Colts Neck Singer Performs On American Idol

COLTS NECK, NJ — A local singer will be making her way to Hollywood Week after she received a Golden Ticket during American Idol’s season premiere.

Jacquie Lee, 28, of Colts Neck, stunned the judges with her rendition of “I Put a Spell On You” (recorded by Screamin' Jay Hawkins in 1956 and later sung by Nina Simone) during the show’s season premiere on Monday night.

Following her performance, Lee earned a Golden Ticket, marking her transition from the audition rounds of the show to Hollywood Week, where contestants compete against other performers.

“You have a bring-the-house-down voice,” Judge Lionel Richie told Lee after her performance. “I’m already standing up. It’s a yes for me.”

You can see part of Lee’s performance on American Idol here:

Prior to her appearance on American Idol, Lee also starred on the fifth season of “The Voice” in 2013, finishing second to winner Tessanne Chin.

A student at the Ranney School in Tinton Falls at the time, Lee competed under the mentorship of coach Christina Aguilera on the show and was the youngest member of “The Voice” cast.

Though she didn’t win the fifth season of “The Voice,” Lee won the local title of Freehold Idol in Downtown Freehold in 2012.

A. Richard Gatto, the CEO of Downtown Freehold at the time, previously told Patch that he was blown away the first time he heard Lee sing during a Freehold Idol competition.

“In 2012, Jacquie was one of our last contestants to compete and made the finals the last week of competition and went on to win the finals the following week singing, ironically, last night’s song, ‘Back to Black’ by Amy Winehouse,” he said.

“She was the first contestant to perform in our finale, and she totally ‘killed it’ just like she did last night on the Voice,” Gatto continued. “She was then, as she is now, a charming, delightful and extremely talented young lady with a voice that far exceeds her age.”

After receiving a Golden Ticket on American Idol, Lee expressed her excitement on her Instagram story, thanking fans for their support.

“You guys, I am so grateful and shook by all of your support,” Lee posted. “I can’t wait for you to see my journey more and I hope you like the songs to come. Send me reaction videos so I can make a montage. This is just the beginning. XO.”

To learn more about Lee, you can visit her Instagram page. American Idol airs Mondays at 8/7c.

Related

• Jacquie Lee Finishes Second on The Voice
• Are You Watching Jacquie Lee Tonight?