Malaysian singer Cheryl Koh proved to the world over the weekend that she had the guts to take her talent to the next level and was even bold enough to ask for a duet with her favorite idol.
Also known as Cheryl K, the 24-year-old appeared in a recent American Idol audition that went on air Sunday, in which she sang the 1981 hit song Endless Love with judge Lionel Richie as she cradled her dog Jimmy Choo in her arms. While she did not make it through to the competition, the performance brought “tears” to the iconic ballad singer, and left the other two judges – pop singer Katy Perry and country artiste Luke Bryan – looking in awe.
“You brought tears and wonderful memories to my eyes today on #AmericanIdol @thisischerylk! Glad to have met you and JimmyChoo today,” Richie wrote on Twitter yesterday, to which Koh replied that she was “incredibly honored.” Koh had also brought along with her a vinyl record signed by Richie himself.
You brought tears and wonderful memories to my eyes today on #AmericanIdol @thisischerylk! Glad to have met you and JimmyChoo today ✨💞 pic.twitter.com/HB9SgKTvOE
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) March 8, 2021
Unfortunately, Richie, Perry, and Bryan felt that her voice was not strong enough for the competition and gave her a unanimous “no.” The judges’ decision met with criticism on YouTube, with many who said that Koh should have been given a chance to sing another song and not be judged solely based on the spontaneous duet.
Koh said she was thankful for the opportunity even though she did not pass.
“I’m so proud of myself for being daring enough to try it and grateful that I got to sing with Lionel Richie,” she said on the show, after leaving the audition room.
Koh has been singing for several years and even lent her voice to the remake of Money (That’s What I Want) for the Crazy Rich Asians movie.
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