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This week, Suffern native Dany Epp wowed judges on American Idol with her rendition of “The One That Got Away.”
Do you remember when Grace VanderWaal auditioned for season 11 of America’s Got Talent, earning a “golden buzzer” from Howie Mandel? The Suffern native was only 12 when she captivated audiences with her original tune, “I Don’t Know My Name.” There must be something in the water—this past weekend, Dany Epp, a 23-year-old vocalist and gymnastics coach also from Suffern, appeared on American Idol, where she gave a stellar audition and earned a golden ticket to compete in Hollywood.
Epp, who has amassed a following on Instagram and TikTok for her singing videos, made the daring decision to audition with a song by Katy Perry, one of the judges on American Idol along with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. At the beginning of Epp’s audition, Perry suggests that Epp’s mother come into the room and sit on the panel of judges to “give honest feedback.”
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Epp’s rendition of “The One That Got Away” earned praise from the judges for its emotional sincerity and, at the song’s climax, Perry can be heard harmonizing with Epp. “I always brace myself when someone says they’re going to do my song,” jokes Perry, “and then I got so happy, I was like, ‘I want to sing, too!’ It sounded so good.” Bryan later adds, “It’s real, it’s emotional.”
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Lastly, the judges turn to Epp’s mother for her two cents. When Perry asks for her vote, she replies, “I think she should go to Hollywood!” All three judges concur, meaning Epp will make it to the next round of American Idol. Tune in to American Idol on Sundays at 8 p.m. and follow Epp’s journey via her TikTok and Instagram pages (@officialdanyepp).
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