American Idol” contestant Samantha Ray paid tribute to her late sister with an audition that brought judge Carrie Underwood to tears during Sunday’s new episode.

When 18-year-old Zaylie Windsor auditioned during the Sunday, March 30, episode of the singing competition, she performed an original song titled “The Used” that she wrote several years prior. She belted out the heartfelt lyrics while strumming an acoustic guitar, leaving the judges captivated.

While powerhouse vocalists are what make American Idol great, the out-of-the-box contestants are the ones who really get the fans talking. Sophie Powers auditioned during the March 17, 2025, episode of American Idol season 23 and although she may not have made it to the next round,