The ABC family just keeps getting bigger.
When 14-year-old Camila Galavis stepped in to audition for American Idol on Sunday’s (March 24) episode, judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were shocked to discover that her dad is none other than Juan Pablo Galavis, the onetime star of another long-running show under the singing competition series’ network: The Bachelor.
Camila Galavis didn’t tell the panel at first that she is already reality TV royalty, having been just 4 years old when her dad’s season of The Bachelor aired in 2014. But while answering questions about her family from the “Firework” singer, the young singer eventually broke the news that her father was not only an ex-dating show heartthrob, but was in the American Idol building with her.
At that, the group called Juan Pablo into the room, where he confirmed that coming on the competition series was 100% Camila’s idea. “She’s been singing since she was little, and the opportunity came, and she wanted to do it,” he told the judges. “I said, ‘I don’t know if you’re old enough.’ That was last year. ‘Well, maybe next year.’ And then here she is.”
After confessing that she would actually feel more comfortable with her dad in the room during her audition, the Venezuela native went on to sing an all-Spanish rendition of Joaquina‘s “Rabia” as Juan Pablo watched proudly from the sidelines, seated next to the in-house pianist on his bench.
Though it was a close call, Galavis was able to pass through into the next round with Perry and Bryan’s “Yes” votes outweighing Richie’s “No.”
“Love your confidence,” the country crooner told her after her performance. “Love your personality … I think the right producer could take your voice and cut a hit album on you right now.”
Venezuelan singer/songwriter Joaquina responded to the performance of her song on Instagram, re-posting the audition and writing, “Oh my God, this can’t be. [Camila] how beautiful. Wow never in my life did I think someone would sing one of my songs on American Idol, how crazy. [Juan Pablo] I love you guys so much. Congrats. God bless you on the journey of this show. I hope all your dreams come true.”
Watch Camila’s American Idol audition — featuring a cameo from Juan Pablo — above.
