A former Miss America impresses with her 'American Idol' audition by covering Kelly Clarkson's 'A Moment Like This'
Betty Maxwell channeled previous "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson during her audition before moving on to the next round.
Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
- A former Miss America appeared on "American Idol" Sunday to pursue her singing career.
- Betty Maxwell performed a cover of the song, "A Moment Like This," from former winner, Kelly Clarkson.
- She earned a "yes" from all three judges to advance in the singing competition.
Betty Maxwell has taken her talents from Miss America to "American Idol." The former pageant winner auditioned for "American Idol," which aired last Sunday, appearing with her crown in hand.
Maxwell, 27, said she's always loved singing and even sang opera as her talent during pageants.
"I've been singing since the age of 3," she said during the episode, "and it's always been one of my deepest passions."
During her audition, Maxwell performed "A Moment Like This," a song by Kelly Clarkson, "Idol's first winner." When invited to sing another song in front of the judges, Maxwell belted out a cover of alum Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel."
The performances earned Maxwell a unanimous "yes" from all judges.
"You don't sing like a pageant girl," Luke Bryan said. "You sing like a real singer."
"There's a lot to work with," Perry added.
Maxwell also got encouragement from judge Lionel Richie to find her genre, which Maxwell shared was country.
Before going in front of the judges, Maxwell was crowned Miss Georgia in 2015 and went on to win the title of Miss America the following year.
"American Idol" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.