Overview
- ABC aired the Feb. 2 audition showing 20-year-old Carmen Lorell from El Dorado Hills, California, performing Ty Myers’ “Thought It Was Love” at the piano.
- Bateman made a theatrical entrance by tapping a wine glass before introducing her “beautiful niece,” nodding to her Real Housewives persona.
- Following early notes, aunt and niece delivered “Let Me Be Your Star” from Smash for judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
- The panel praised Lorell’s pretty tone and range while urging more power and looseness, with Richie framing a yes vote as a push to toughen her performance.
- Lorell left with a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, as coverage highlighted Bateman’s Broadway experience, Disney work, a 2024 holiday EP and a 2025 cabaret.