“You need some sass” American Idol judge Carrie Underwood gives Mattie Pruitt valuable feedback

During American Idol's "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" themed episode, 15-year-old contestant Mattie Pruitt delivered a performance of Janis Joplin's iconic "Piece of My Heart" that showcased her impressive vocal talents but revealed an area for growth. Judge Carrie Underwood offered constructive criticism, stating,

"That was a great song choice for your voice and for the night. You sang that wonderfully. I love your look for this. If I can say anything, you've got to find your sass. You're so sweet and smiley. You need some sass."

The journey young musicians undergo on the 23rd season of the program, where they compete for America's votes while receiving advice from seasoned industry professionals, was brought to light by these open comments.

Under James Taylor's guidance, the Top 14 contenders sang songs by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame veterans during their performances. The show ended with the live announcement of the Top 12 finalists, who were chosen by the audience rather than the judges.

Mattie Pruitt’s journey to American Idol Season 14

Mattie Pruitt was barely old enough to audition for American Idol, sneaking in right at the 15-year-old minimum when she tried out in Nashville.

But from the moment she sat down with country singer Craig Campbell at the piano and belted out Jessie Murph’s "How Could You," it was clear she wasn’t just there to make up the numbers. Even Carrie Underwood immediately spotted something special, praising Mattie’s impressive range and the kind of vocal maturity that usually takes years to develop.

That early boost helped Mattie sail through the tough preliminary rounds and into the Top 24 and then the Top 14, where she quickly built a loyal fanbase who couldn't get enough of her emotional delivery and flawless control. Still, being one of the youngest in the competition comes with its own set of challenges.

During the American Idol Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode, Mattie took on Janis Joplin, no small task for even the most seasoned performers. While she nailed the vocals, Underwood pointed out that what was missing wasn’t a technical skill but a pure, gritty attitude.

Singing Joplin isn’t just about hitting notes; it’s about channeling her wild spirit. Underwood’s advice for Mattie to "find her sass" was a reminder that great artists don’t just sing the song, they live it.

The comment resonated with American Idol viewers, who appreciated Pruitt's talent while acknowledging the growth potential in her performance style. For a 15-year-old contestant, developing stage presence and attitude represents a natural next step in her artistic evolution.

Carrie Underwood’s feedback and its impact

Underwood's critique carried particular weight given her own history with the show. The episode opened with her pre-recorded performance of Heart's "Alone" – the same song she performed during her own American Idol journey twenty years earlier.

Her transformation for the night into rock icon Axl Rose, complete with her signature red bandana, demonstrated her understanding of how presentation and attitude complement vocal performance. Underwood's criticism of Pruitt gained more legitimacy as a result of this visual reminder of her adaptability.

Underwood, the newest member of the American Idol judging panel and the lone previous competitor, offers firsthand knowledge of the difficulties of the competition and the subsequent professional development.

Judges' comments are becoming more and more important as the show switches to audience-only voting, assisting competitors in honing their performances to appeal to home viewers.

If Pruitt moves up in American Idol, Underwood's guidance provides a clear path for improvement. Adding dimension to her stage persona could transform her from a technically gifted vocalist to a more complete performer capable of tackling diverse musical styles.

Whether Mattie finds her "sass" in future performances remains to be seen. However, receiving such specific guidance from a judge who successfully navigated the very same competition provides an invaluable opportunity for artistic development, regardless of the final outcome.

Trending

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

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback