Michael Rice, an Englishman from Hartlepool, blew Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie away in an audition that went viral on YouTube.

Michael performed a moving rendition of ‘Because of You’ by Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol.

Michael clarified prior to the audition that his mother reared him primarily while he was growing up in England.

They went through a number of trials and tribulations. Michael clarifies that he did not grow up with his father.

But Michael and his father started dating when he was in his late teens. However, not long after they got back together,

Michael’s father passed away from a devastating heart attack, which Michael claims was brought on by his drug addiction.

Michael explained to the judges why he selected the Kelly Clarkson song in particular.Michael remarked,

‘I think this song means so much to me.’ ‘I hope I make my dad proud; it just makes me think of him.’

As he performed brilliantly, the judges looked at each other knowingly. All three of them were captivated by Michael’s rendition of the Kelly Clarkson song.

Even so, Lionel expressed his gratitude to the young man for his moving performance, which was obviously his best effort.