American Idol Contestant From Weston Progresses to 'Hollywood Week'

WESTON, MA -- A Weston singer heads into the competition stage this week on American Idol, a spot she earned after the three judges gave her rave reviews and approval during her audition.

Sonika Vaid, who grew up in Weston and lives in Martha’s Vineyard, appeared on the kickoff to American Idol’s final season, singing for judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban. It gave her the coveted ticket to Hollywood Week.

Hollywood Week starts on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and continues on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. on Fox.

On Wednesday and Thursday, those who advanced to the competitions begin to face off, with the paring down to begin on Thursday.

How far will Vaid go? The judges seemed to think she’d advance far, if not win.

The three were blown away by Vaid’s rendition of “Look at Me” by Idol winner Carrie Underwood. The performance aired Jan. 6, with auditions in Denver and Atlanta.

“You know, you sang beautifully,” said Connick, Jr. “That was a perfect performance. I was totally engaged. This was the only time this particular season that I saw somebody that I actually thought would win this thing. That’s a God-given voice.”

“You didn’t stack it with a bunch of clever runs,” said Urban. “You emoted it.”