VIDEO: IDOL Contestant Burnell Taylor Sings Stirring Rendition of 'I'm Here' from 'The Color Purple'

Mariah Carey was brought to tears last night when American Idol hopeful BurNell Taylor sang a stirring rendition of "I'm Here," from Broadway's The Color Purple. Burnell was the final contestant on last night's auditions from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Check out his performance below!

After listening to the song's final note, Carey declared, "Burnell made me cry!" while judge Keith Urban predicted, "Somewhere there's a spotlight just waiting for you to walk into it." Once outside the audition room, Burnell was greeted by host Ryan Seacrest who affirmed, "You've changed that panel forever, my friend."

About AMERICAN IDOL:

In search of One Dream. When American Idol's 12th season debuts in January 2013, superstar judge Mariah Carey - the best-selling female recording artist of all time - and returning judge Randy Jackson, a Grammy Award-winning producer whose expertise and beloved persona have been instrumental in discovering Idol talent from the beginning, will be joined by two new judges: quadruple-platinum singer, songwriter, rapper and fashion icon Nicki Minaj; and Keith Urban, a four-time Grammy Award winner who has sold more than 15 million albums.

American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox.

To post a comment, you must register and login.