"A thing with families" American Idol's Carrie Underwood comments on Brian Wilson's granddaughter Lola's audition 

Lola Bonfiglio took pop royalty with her to her American Idol Season 23 audition, in addition to her talent. The 19-year-old vocalist, who was accompanied by her mother Carnie and her aunt Wendy Wilson of Wilson Phillips fame, dazzled judges with her solo skills as well as a family performance.

After their rendition of the classic hit "Hold On," judge Carrie Underwood was visibly moved, noting:

"You can tell that is a thing with families — it's like everybody's genetically designed to just sound good together."

As the granddaughter of Beach Boys icon Brian Wilson, this observation brought to light Lola's musical lineage. The audition was a perfect example of what American Idol has been known for more than 20 years: unadulterated talent, poignant moments, and sometimes unexpected familial ties that serve as a reminder to fans of the timeless legacy of music.

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Lola performs with her star-studded family for American Idol audition

The American Idol judges' reactions were priceless when Lola revealed her famous family members. Before performing her solo piece, she casually mentioned needing "some family members" to join her.

"Nuh-uh... Wilson Phillips?" Underwood exclaimed, clearly starstruck when Carnie and Wendy Wilson entered the audition room.

Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie appeared equally surprised, with Bryan asking "What's happening?" as the unexpected family ensemble prepared to perform.

Before launching into their signature hit "Hold On" with sister Wendy, daughter Lola, and Lola's father Rob on guitar, Carnie playfully teased:

"You might know this song"

The family connection wasn't just for show—it demonstrated the musical lineage that connects multiple generations of talent. Lola described their vocal harmony as a "blood blend," a fitting term for the natural cohesion in their performance.

This musical heritage runs deep. Lola is the granddaughter of one of the most important rock composers, Brian Wilson. With Wilson Phillips, her mother Carnie and aunt Wendy had success of their own, selling over 10 million copies of their debut album in the 1990s and achieving three #1 songs.

After the family American Idol showcase, Lola performed Kacey Musgraves' "Rainbow" on her own, bringing her mother to tears.

The judges offered constructive feedback while recognizing her potential.

"You've got everything you need," Richie told her, suggesting she hold notes longer to better tell the story through her music.

Bryan praised her vocal quality while encouraging her to embrace a more dynamic range:

"The tone and the pureness and the quality of your voice, that's a perfect song for you, but this competition is going to require you to belt, too, and let loose a little bit."

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Carrie Underwood encourages Lola’s talent

Underwood's comments were particularly meaningful, recognizing both Lola's current abilities and future potential.

"You've got an honesty in your voice and a presence," Underwood said.

Explaining:

"I want to see you own your talent and everything you have to offer because you have a lot to offer, and it gets me really excited to potentially bear witness to that."

This encouragement from a former American Idol winner who has built a successful career carried special weight. Underwood knows firsthand the journey Lola is beginning.

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Carnie and Lola spoke about their family's relationship with music, describing it as "the thread" that holds them together.

"Whatever it is, music is that," Carnie explained, noting that despite her father Brian's advancing age and dementia diagnosis, music remains their connection.

The journey is only getting started for Lola. Her trip to the Hollywood round was secured after she received unanimous "yes" votes from the judges.

"No matter how far I get, I'm just excited to push myself and grow, as the judges said," Lola remarked after her successful audition.

As she advances in American Idol, Lola carries not just her own dreams but a musical legacy spanning generations—proving that sometimes, talent really is "a thing with families."

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American Idol Season 21 premiered in the US on March 9, with new episodes airing Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu.