We spend a lot of time in life trying to stay away from the bad things, but sometimes they’re unavoidable.
Generally speaking, we often think of life as a journey towards a destination, though what that destination is varies from person to person. Because we all have different dreams and goals, what the path looks like can be very different. No matter what the journey, dealing with obstacles, setbacks and hardships is a part of each and every one.
Still, some people have to overcome more than others do to pursue their dreams.
That was definitely the case for a woman who auditioned on American Idol’s 2019 season.
As the audition begins, a woman walks out to the middle of the room with another man in tow. She introduces herself as Lauren Engle from Redwoods, California.
The man she’s with is her brother-in-law, who will be helping her out by playing guitar. Before long, the question turns to how Engle came to the show and what her story is. At this, she hesitates and her voice catches a little bit. As she explains, she came to audition on the show after surviving a serious car accident the year before with her husband.
Unfortunately, her husband didn’t survive the accident.
As she explains to the judges, Engle didn’t know what to do with herself to keep going except pour herself into her love of music.
She says that she had met her husband, Garrett, seven years before at a Halloween party. A big part of their relationship is that Garrett would play guitar and she would sing along.
They got married and their life together had been beautiful… until the accident happened. Even though the journey ahead was so difficult, Engle says she’s determined to find “the light at the end of the tunnel,” no matter how hard it may be.
With all that said, she begins her performance.
As she explains, the song she’s singing is an original called “Compass” that covers their relationship together.
Right as she starts singing, it’s clear from the beginning that Engle has a beautiful voice and a heartfelt delivery.
As it continues, it’s clear that even singing the song brings up incredible emotions for Engle… and it’s even a little bit hard to get through. At one point, her voice almost breaks. Still, she manages to persevere and to push through to the end of the song.
When it’s all over, the judges are all incredibly moved.
As judge Katy Perry says, she can’t imagine writing a song that vulnerable or getting through the hardships she has.
After that, Perry takes it to a vote and gives Engle her first yes. Next up is judge Luke Bryan. After a moment’s consideration, he says that Engle has a really good country voice and that he’s excited to see more from her—he’s a yes also.
At the very end, judge Lionel Richie speaks directly to Engle outside of the competition. Above all, he says, Engle’s life should be about living for herself and keeping Garrett in her heart. With Engle now in tears, Richie gives her a yes as well!
When it’s over, both Engle and her brother-in-law are in tears.
Although all artists have to go through hardships to achieve their dreams, Engle’s story is particularly heartbreaking.
Through it all, though, Engle has remained as optimistic as possible and has pushed herself creatively. Needless to say, all that perseverance and grit has paid off and brought her onto the national stage! Although it remains to be seen what will happen with Engle, it’s clear that her passion for music is paying off on all levels.
Congratulations to Lauren Engle on her moving performance! Watch the full clip below:
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