Daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith auditions for 'American Idol'

Yahoo Entertainment
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During the final auditions of American Idol Season 20 Sunday night, a surprise second-generation musician made a red hot impression on the judges.

20-year-old Ava Maybee, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, didn't reveal who her famous father is during her audition, but it was clear that musical talent runs in the family, as judge Lionel Richie compared her to iconic singer Cher.

"You had remnants of Cher. When she's singing, she's down here and it's solid," said Richie.

Katy Perry shared, "It's very cool. It started to really open up when the chorus hit. It's a cool alto sound. I think if you went forward, you'd be challenged a lot," while Luke Bryan told the singer, "I do feel like you're an artist. I'm interested to hear and see more of what you've got going on."

Ava's father, whose multi-platinum band is actually receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week, is super supportive of her career and has even helped promote Ava's music on his Instagram to his over 750,000 followers.

And while the Red Hot Chili Peppers have never licensed any of their songs for American Idol in the past, Ava might be the one to break that tradition because, in the end, she got three yeses and a ticket to Hollywood.

Video Transcript

[RECORD SCRATCH]

[WHOOSHES]

AVA MAYBEE: (SINGING) Well, I'm a man of many wishes. I hope my premonition misses what I really feel. My eyes won't let me hide.

KYLIE MAR: During the final auditions of "American Idol" season 20, Sunday night, a surprise second generation musician made a red hot impression on the judges.

AVA MAYBEE: (SINGING) 'Cause this time could mean goodbye.

[CLAPPING]

LUKE BRYAN: Good deal.

AVA MAYBEE: Thanks.

KYLIE MAR: 20-year-old Ava Maybee, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith didn't reveal who her famous father is during her audition, but it was clear that musical talent runs in the family.

LIONEL RICHIE: You had remnants of Cher. When she's singing, she's down here, and it's solid.

KATY PERRY: It's very deep.

LIONEL RICHIE: Yes.

AVA MAYBEE: Yeah.

KATY PERRY: But it's very cool.

KYLIE MAR: Ava's father whose multi-platinum band is actually receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week is super supportive of her career and has even helped promote Ava's music on his social media. And while the Red Hot Chili Peppers have never licensed any of their songs for "American Idol" in the past, Ava might be the one to break that tradition.

LIONEL RICHIE: I think I'm going to go against your family. You're not going to be a maybe. You're going to be a for sure.

AVA MAYBEE: Thank you.

KATY PERRY: Ava, yes.

LIONEL RICHIE: Wow.

LUKE BRYAN: Yep, you're an Ava yes.

LIONEL RICHIE: Yes, yes, yes.

- You're going to Hollywood.

[CLAPPING AND GIGGLING]

[WHOOSH]