Kaibrienne “KB” Richins held nothing back during her American Idol audition, showcasing her raw, soulful vocals, while singing Zach Bryan’s “Something In The Orange.”
What Illness Does KB Richins Suffer From?
Richins, 20, resides in Henefer, Utah, and has been struggling with Hashimoto’s disease since she was diagnosed in the fourth grade.
“It’s a thyroid disease that’s super painful and when it flares up, it’s just crazy mood swings. It’s so bad,” she explained.
Her father recounted the challenges they’ve encountered since KB’s diagnosis, delivering a heartfelt message to Idol producers.
“It’s been a struggle to see the most beautiful girl in the world, who I know has more potential in the tip of her finger than I will ever have, struggle to regulate her emotions so she can be going from this is the best thing in the world, to turning your head towards you and say she wants to die,” he emotionally admitted.
Auditioning For American Idol Has Been A Life-Long Dream For KB
KB said she grew up watching American Idol, but fear always kept her from auditioning.
“It’s always been the dream. I just have never been confident enough in myself or really believed in myself enough to do it,” she said. “I think I’m a little bit too hard on myself a lot of the time.”
She Sang In The Car With Her Dad
To cope with her illness KB turned to singing and would often sing while in the car driving with her father and sister. One day, her dad decided to film her and began posting videos of her signing on social media. They raked in over a million followers within just a few months.
“Those times when she sings are when she can start to really believe in herself. You really are the best. Katie, I love you,” her dad sweetly shared.
Backed by a piano, KB poured her heart into her performance of “Something in the Orange,” captivating the judges who watched in awe.
By the end of her performance, it was clear, simply by the looks on the judges’ faces, that she left a lasting impression.
“From the first note I had full body wave of chills and I liked even how you just kind of shook it out and then you hacked up something and started singing,” Luke Bryan told her.
Watch KB Richins’ American Idol Audition
The other judges, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, laughed at his comment before he continued, “Did she not? But she was like, ‘Let’s go. It’s on.’ That’s what I have to do, right.? But the coolest thing is you’re 20. You’re from a little old small town in Utah…1,000 people. You just have it. Great job!”
Katy Perry added, “I think you have a real unique tone about you and it’s very special. It may need some pulling and prodding and just people to help strengthen it, but that is the special sauce that people have to have when they’re forming who they are as an artist.”
Lionel Richie praised KB’s ability to make the song her own.
“I’ve heard that song on gazillion and one times, but that was your song. And you told the story and that’s your sound. I really loved what you did,” he told her.
On Her Way To Hollywood
When it was time to vote, Bryan, Perry and Richie said “yes” and KB officially earned her golden ticket to Hollywood.
After the show, KB Richins took to social media to share her excitement, writing, “A DREAM COME TRUE!! Can’t believe I’m headed to Hollywood!!”