First Openly Gay American Idol Contestant: M.K. Nobilette Advances to Top 30
M.K. Nobilette, American Idol's first openly gay contestant, has made it through to the show's live rounds. The judging team of Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban loved her performance, but with so many other talented singers hoping to make the Top 30 cut, picking Nobilette wasn't an easy choice.
Their were concerns that the signer wouldn't fit in with the show's other contestants. "You're not the typical American idol," J-Lo told M.K.
Ultimately, the judges came to their senses and realized that Nobilette's powerful cover of Ed Sheeran's The A-Team was more important than the signers tomboy looks. In America diversity should be celebrated and it's not rebellious anymore for girls to wear clothing traditionally meant for guys.
Lopez even said that Nobilette's performance gave her goosebumps.
In fact, there's no reason to think that Nobilette cannot win the entire competition. She has all the tools that a successful singer needs. Most of America fell in love with her killer vocals, hip urban/punk getup, and inspiring life story.
However Nobilette isn't oblivious. She know's that some people will refuse to vote for her just because she likes chicks.
'I'm very obviously gay, and there are always gonna be people in America and everywhere else who are definitely going to hate,' she remarked to the judges.
She went on to say, "But I think that in the last two years there have been a lot of things that have really changed that, and have really made it a positive thing."
Connick Jr. heartily agreed with Nobilette's statement. When referring to America's LGBT rights progress he simply said "thank goodness."
But before a final decision came down J-Lo wasn't sure if M.K. was an American Idol.
"This is a tough day," the legendary pop diva said.
"The world is changing, I think. We think that you could be an American Idol," J-Lo went on to say.
"Strongly," Harry added as M.K. got the go ahead. "You have a great voice, M.K."
"Thank you guys so much," M.K. cried out. "Can I hug you?"
Urban echoed Lopez's prior remarked by saying that "the world is changing."
"This is incredible," said M.K.
It truly is.
Who's your favorite American Idol contestant this season? Let me know in the comments section below.