American Idol: Illinois contestant, Althea Grace from algonquin inspired by daughter Lennon

Now, she’s a contestant on “American Idol!”

Grace was named after a Grateful Useless tune by her music loving mother and father. Her daughter’s title is “Lennon”– after John.

She’s received a tattoo of a John Lee Hooker lyric.

Simply 21, however Althea has at all times been on the “Idol” observe!

“I spend most of my teenage years going into town and taking part in with blues guitar gamers and taking part in jazz,” Grace mentioned. “The Beatles have at all times been my favourite and Fleetwood Mac and so all of it got here collectively.”

Grace’s 2 12 months outdated daughter impressed the tune mother carried out at her audition.

“My daughter received sick final 12 months and had a liver transplant and the docs didn’t know if she’d make it by way of this, and so the tune that I wrote is about cherishing each second with the individuals you’re keen on,” Grace mentioned.

Grace has come full circle being on “Idol”- and it is all a few standing date with Grandma!

“Simply occupied with sitting on my grandma’s sofa after I’m 7 years outdated watching the present, she was like, you could possibly try this I may see you doing that,” Grace mentioned.

“It is simply essentially the most comforting factor to have in my being to at all times be capable of specific myself by way of what I am singing,” Grace mentioned. “A very powerful factor to me is that my daughter sees that there is nothing in life that may cease you from pursuing your dream. Everybody has at all times believed in me and pushed me and instructed me I can do it even after I did not assume I may I am simply so grateful for everyone particularly to my grandmother, you known as it, manifested this!”