Jan. 08--Geneva ice cream scooper Kayla Mickelsen got a sweet surprise in Thursday's episode of "American Idol." She's heading to Hollywood.
Mickelsen sang "Broadripple is Burning" by the Chicago band Margot and The Nuclear So and So's to advance from the tryout round in the hopes of becoming the 15th and final "Idol" winner in April. Mickelsen auditioned in San Francisco in September.
"I like you a lot. Nice job," said judge Harry Connick, Jr.
Mickelsen posted on Facebook Friday morning that she is grateful for the support she's received.
"My dreams came true -- singing my favorite song in a beautiful city and receiving three yeses from beautiful people...on a show I've watched since a little girl. I'm thankful for each and every one of you lovely darlings!," Mickelsen wrote.
On her website, Mickelsen said she enjoys singing indie rock and pop and considers herself a "weird, nature-loving, energetic vegan."
Last week, she posted an audition video performing Ray Charles' "Hit the Road Jack." "Idol" only showed a snippet of her singing in Thursday's two-hour episode, which covered performances in Little Rock and San Francisco. The first part of the two-part season premiere was Wednesday.
"Idol" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox at 7 p.m. More auditions are slated to air the next two weeks.
