Montclair Teen Wows Judges On ‘American Idol’ Audition (WATCH)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A young musician from Montclair represented New Jersey well at his audition for American Idol.

On Sunday, the popular show aired Conall Gorman’s audition, which consisted of a bold move: an original song. Titled “Backseat,” the 19-year-old’s high-stakes rendition – which he accompanied with some pithy strumming on a well-worn acoustic guitar. Watch the video online here.

With three “yes” votes from the judges – Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie – Gorman will be moving on to Hollywood and giving viewers another performance.

Gorman – who graduated from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange – is a student at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He has attended classes at the School of Rock Montclair, and has called the town “an artsy, accepting” place that “inspires and fosters creativity in a really cool way.”

Show producers called Gorman’s performance “fearless,” and host Ryan Seacrest said the Essex County resident is “on the road to stardom.”

“Grateful is an understatement, thank you guys so much for this opportunity,” the teen later commented, taking a humble bow on social media.

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