“Watched every YouTube video” American Idol’s Kolbi Jordan shares her love for music legend Patti LaBelle 

American Idol contestant Kolbi Jordan's journey from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the Season 23 Top 12 is intertwined with her deep admiration for soul icon Patti LaBelle. In a heartfelt interview with the Tulsa World, Jordan revealed how her passion began at just five years old after watching a Christmas special featuring LaBelle.

"I went on YouTube, and I watched every YouTube video of Patti LaBelle that night," Jordan shared.

Elaborating:

"I literally woke up from the computer because I fell asleep there listening to her, and I have been a fan ever since. I adore her."

Jordan's musical style and performances on the show have been influenced by this dedication. She just earned a spot in the competition's Top 12 after impressing judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, and she also got a coveted Platinum ticket during her audition.

Kolbi Jordan’s journey to American Idol

At just 26 years old, powerhouse vocalist Kolbi Jordan made it clear she was repping Oklahoma proudly when she stepped onto the American Idol stage, even pointing out she grew up just an hour away from Carrie Underwood.

Before chasing her American Idol dreams, Jordan laid her performance roots at Union High School, where she graduated in 2016 after singing at her own commencement. Theater fans might remember her belting it out as the Dragon in Shrek the Musical or bringing magic to life as Asaka in Once on This Island during her school days.

While working a day job in Human Resources at a Tulsa dental company, Jordan kept her passion for music alive, though Luke Bryan joked she might want to start drafting her resignation after her jaw-dropping audition. Her soulful take on Chrisette Michele’s “Epiphany” wowed the judges right out of the gate, and to top it all off, Lionel Richie even phoned a very special guest, the legendary Patti LaBelle, to share the moment.

Though momentarily flustered, Jordan managed a charming request to her idol, referencing LaBelle's famous dessert line:

"Can I get some pie?"

The music legend warmly responded:

"I'll give you some pie after you win. Love you, Kolbi, and good luck!"

Richie later expressed his dream to see Jordan and LaBelle perform together, saying:

"I can't even imagine what that's going to be."

Jordan’s American Idol journey hasn’t exactly been what you’d call a smooth ride. After kicking things off strong, she hit a major speed bump battling a sinus infection. But by the time she hit the stage at Disney’s Aulani Resort, she was back in top-notch form. She dazzled the crowd with a high-energy performance of LaBelle’s "New Attitude" that had even Luke Bryan singing her praises.

She kept up that momentum into the live Top 14 episode, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s "You’re All I Need to Get By," winning over viewers and securing her spot in the Top 12 alongside fellow Platinum ticket holders Canaan James Hill and Filo.

Kolbi Jordan’s dream takes shape

Jordan's musical identity is firmly anchored in gospel and soul traditions, with LaBelle's influence evident in her vocal style and song choices. While she hasn't yet fulfilled her dream of performing with her idol, her American Idol platform has brought her closer to that possibility.

During an NFL game between the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots last November, Jordan showcased her talent with LaBelle's "Lady Marmalade," earning the rare Platinum Ticket that launched her Idol journey.

As the competition intensifies, Jordan's childhood admiration for LaBelle continues to fuel her performances. From falling asleep at the computer watching videos of her idol to potentially winning one of music's most prestigious competitions, Jordan's story reminds us how formative musical inspirations can shape careers and dreams in powerful ways.

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You can watch American Idol Season 23 live on ABC every Sunday night, or stream episodes the next day on Hulu.