Alabama singer shines on American Idol stage in season finale

Months after being rejected by the American Idol judges during the audition round, Prattville teen Lainey Grace got to sing on the big stage at the Season 24 finale.

The 16-year-old returned to the show to sing the same song she performed during the audition: “Honest” by Kyndal Inskeep.

Inskeep, who was a fellow contestant on the show this season, made the top nine before being eliminated but she got to sing one final song during the finale. And she chose to share the stage with the Alabama native.

“A moment that felt like Hozier’s yell. Truly blessed to be able to be in the spot God has placed me in. I’ve made such beautiful connections with amazing people, and loving every minute of it.”

Lainey Grace on social media

Keep reading to learn more about the pair’s connection + watch the full performance.

Honest by Kyndal Inskeep + Lainey Grace

When Lainey Grace auditioned for this season of American Idol, she performed Inskeep’s song “Honest.”

During her audition, Inskeep watched from behind a screen waiting for her own audition. After Grace sang, Inskeep came out and the two met in person for the first time.

The two first sang the song together during the audition but it wasn’t enough as Lainey Grace did not get enough yes votes to move forward.

“I think you’ve got some real grown-up qualities in there I like very much. I might need to hear a little more… Come back to see us. It’s a no from me this time but that was very inspiring. We’ll see you back here.”

Lionel Richie

However, Inskeep made it through the audition and stayed in touch with Lainey Grace. That helped set up the special performance by the duo on finale night.