Not all “American Idol” hopefuls leave with a golden ticket to Hollywood. Kase Tippens, 14, from Oklahoma, performed “Wondering Why” by The Red Clay Strays, which aired Sunday night. “That was beautifully 14,” judge Luke Bryan said after the performance.

The latest season of American Idol is here, bringing fresh excitement, a major shakeup on the judging panel, and, of course, some hefty paychecks for the stars who help shape the competition.This seas

Despite looking older than he is, 21-year-old Kam'Ron Smith is a sprinkler installer and farmer from Rocky Mount, Virginia. He sings a cover of a Joe Diffie song that is full of country twang. Carrie notes that she "likes" him, remarking that he made the song his own. Kam'Rom receives three yeses. He's going to Hollywood!

"American Idol" is airing the second episode of its 23rd season, which will be the first with Carrie Underwood, on Sunday, March 16 at 8 p.m.

But it wasn’t his passion that brought him in front of the three judges — it was his mom. “I didn’t even want to do ‘American Idol,’” he said. “My mom signed me up without me knowing.” He said he often holds himself back from doing things he wants.