Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart joins daughter Kaya at audition for American Idol

Before the singer-songwriter hopeful could introduce herself, judge Lionel Richie was amazed when her father took his place at her side.

“Oh wait. What?!” said the 73-year-old “Hello” artist, giving a double look. “Tell me who the backup musician is?”

Though judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were also thrown off-guard, Stewart’s performance felt more like a reunion for Richie.

“We were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together, and it was a night we’ll never forget,” he recalled. “And just having you with your daughter is so cool.”

After introducing Stewart as “dad,” Kaya opened up about her long history with music and how much it’s been a part of her life since before she was born.

“When I was born, my dad was touring and I went to shows while I was still in my mom’s womb,” she shared. “The musician’s lifestyle is something that has just become a part of my life. It was never a question of what I wanted to do with my life. [Music] was always what I wanted to do.”

The 22-year-old announced that she would be performing “This Tattoo,” an original song she co-wrote with her father while he accompanied her on guitar.

“I wouldn’t want to do it any other way,” Kaya gushed.

After “slaying” her audition, the judges praised the “In Love With” singer for her performance.

“I’ll tell you the truth, because the truth is what we’re about,” Richie praised the young singer. “First of all I give you so many props because of the songwriting part and the pressure of being here. And the fact that your father showed up, I give him props. I mean, there’s a whole lot of props here. In the midst of it all, you slew it. I love the tone of your voice and you are an artist, you really are an artist.”

Though Bryan said Kaya’s lifelong experience of the stage was evident in her audition, Perry warned American Idol, hoping the judges would “probably be a little bit more picky” and “push her to her limits — and probably beyond.” addition it” as she “knows the business”.

With a resounding “yes” from all three judges, Kaya advanced to the next round and made her way to Hollywood.