Waits to be featured on American Idol

Berea’s own Kyra Waits will be auditioning in front of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lionel Ritchie and millions of television viewers Sunday. March 4 at 8 p.m. on American Idol.

After auditioning for years Kyra was ready to throw in the towel but decided last summer to give it one more shot. After numerous auditions for the show’s producers over Zoom, Kyra finally secured her spot for a live audition.

Born and raised in Berea, Kyra says she grew up in a musical family. She credits her mom specifically for passing down the love of music as she was a well-known bluegrass singer at Renfro Valley. With no formal training, Kyra has sharpened her skills over the years by singing anywhere and everywhere she is invited to, from her high school graduation to friend’s weddings.

While she can sing any genre, Kyra’s favorite is country. She expects the judges to be a little shocked when they hear her sing for the first time because “when you look at me, you don’t expect my voice to sound so country” Kyra says. Planning to sing the folk/country classic ‘Up To The Mountain’ by Patty Griffin, Kyra has been rehearsing a lot and drinking plenty of hot water with honey and lemon.

Kyra says she grew up watching American Idol and could always see herself on the show someday. She’s eager to hear the words “you’re going to Hollywood!” this Sunday as she has big dreams of launching a music career. With countless videos of her singing all over social media, Kyra is ready to do more with her one true passion.

Tune into ABC this Sunday at 8 p.m., or find it on Hulu the following day, and discover one of Berea’s shining stars.