American Idol season 23, which aired on March 16, 2025, featured 17-year-old Bryson Quick, who captivated the judges and audience alike with his unique twist on Pink Floyd's "Time." The high school senior not only received the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood but also earned the remarkable opportunity to perform alongside Chayce Beckham, the show's Season 19 winner, at the famed Grand Ole Opry later the same evening.
Hailing from Seymour, Tennessee, Quick took center stage, dedicATING his performance to his younger sister, Kendyll, who is diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome. "What motivates me mainly is my little sister, because she loves music and she loves to sing, but she's got a very rare disorder called Joubert Syndrome, which just severely limits her motor skills and kind of alters her day-to-day life. But she still lives it all with a smile," Quick expressed. This heartfelt dedication underscored the emotional depth of his performance.
Appearing before judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, Bryson explained his inclination to perform the classic rock song with country flair. "I gig all around Knoxville playing tailgates, restaurants, breweries, everything I can at the age of 17," he said confidently, drawing the judges' attention as he strummed his acoustic guitar and delivered his interpretation of the beloved Pink Floyd track.
The judges responded enthusiastically to Quick's performance. Carrie Underwood praised his distinctive voice, stating, "Whenever I hear somebody come in who wants to be part of the country crowd, I always think about hearing their voice among the other voices on the radio. Yours stands out in a good way. I like the fact you brought yourself to the Pink Floyd song. That was a smart call, and you’re pretty darn cute. I mean, that's not everything, but it helps!"
Lionel Richie added, "You’ve got the storyteller kind of voice. At first, I thought, ‘I've never heard this before.’ You don't fit the conventional country voice, but the uniqueness is the part that's impressive." Luke Bryan noted the similarities between Quick and Chayce Beckham, stating, "It kind of reminds me of our old friend. You got a big, powerful voice and good range. You’ve got your own little style. We're excited to see where things go from here!"
With three enthusiastic 'yeses' from the judges, Bryson quickly found himself on the path to Hollywood, but the surprises didn’t end there. After the judging, Luke Bryan video called Chayce Beckham, who was performing at the Grand Ole Opry, asking if Quick could join him for the night. Beckham agreed, creating what would be a significant moment for the aspiring singer.
Upon hearing the news, Quick was elated. "I’ve always wanted to come to the Opry to watch a show, but I’ve never been able to. And for my first time to be invited to play there is incredible!" he exclaimed. Stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage not only fulfilled lifelong dreams but also marked his introduction to the country music scene.
Later, Quick had the privilege of performing “23” alongside Beckham, whose original song had reached number one on Billboard's Country Airplay charts. Reflecting on the experience, Quick commented, "When Chayce walked in the room, I couldn’t believe it. Learning I'll get to play with him tonight meant the world to me. When you stand on the Grand Ole Opry stage, knowing its history and the talent it has hosted, you feel like you’re part of something truly special. It’s just … incredible!"
Fans of American Idol responded enthusiastically to Quick’s audition, praising his unique style and expressing excitement for his future on the show. Social media buzzed with comments from viewers who saw great potential for him in the competition, along with those who offered constructive criticism. One fan tweeted, "This kid just 'countryfied' a Pink Floyd song. Trust me, Bryson Quick is one to watch. His tone is unique and would do so well on the radio!"
Despite mixed reactions, Quick’s audition seemed to resonate with viewers who saw him as one of the frontrunners this season. Comments ranged from excitement about Bryson's performance to skepticism, with some participants acknowledging his unique take on the classic rock song: "Bryson will be top 3 this year... go ahead and bookmark it!" Another user remarked, "I didn’t think he was ‘a heck yeah’ for me, but he’s definitely one to keep an eye on—I've never heard a Pink Floyd song turned country before, but I like it!"
Quick’s experience reflects more than just the competitive nature of American Idol; it's about pursuing dreams, the power of music, and the support of loved ones. The impressively talented teenager is undoubtedly on the rise, driven by both personal motivation and genuine passion for music.
American Idol airs every Sunday at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC, providing fans with regular updates on Quick's progress as he heads to Hollywood, and this season promises to highlight the journeys of many aspiring artists like him.