Headed for Hollywood: Senior receives Golden Ticket from ‘American Idol’
Taylor Davidson on her Season 20 audition, inspiration behind music career
Photo Courtesy of Taylor Davidson
After her “American Idol” Season 20 audition, senior Taylor Davidson holds out her Golden Ticket. Contestants receive Golden Tickets when they impress the judges enough to advance to the next round. “Right before my audition, I was really nervous,” Davidson said. “Normally, I don’t get nervous to sing in front of people, but this was totally different, and it was a lot of pressure. Right before I went in, I was just reassuring myself that it was going to go well, and whatever the outcome, I was proud of myself.”
Senior Taylor Davidson normally isn’t nervous to sing in front of people.
As she stood in front of the double doors that led to the “American Idol” audition room, though, where judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie sat, Davidson found herself feeling an entirely new type of pressure.
![](https://eaglenationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-23-at-9.55.06-PM-475x475.png)
“This was totally different,” Davidson said. “Right before I went in, I was just reassuring myself that it was going to go well, and, whatever the outcome, I was proud of myself.”
Davidson has been singing and performing since she was 12, but said she has always loved music.
“My favorite song to sing changes all the time,” Davidson said. “So, I wouldn’t say I have a favorite one in particular.”
After releasing multiple covers and singles, Davidson released her album “Tragedy” – to which she wrote all the songs on her bedroom floor – on Nov. 26, to stream on all platforms.
“Having a career in music has always been my dream since I was a kid,” Davidson said.
Part of this passion comes from Davidson’s inspiration – Taylor Swift.
“Taylor Swift has been one of my biggest inspirations,” Davidson said. “I love her music, and have always admired her drive and creativity.”
However, others have also praised Davidson’s own artistry – including her past fashion teacher, Audra Claypoole.
“Taylor’s personality was what made her so special,” Claypoole said. “If you didn’t already know she was a singer, you would not have heard it from her. She was quiet, yet bubbly, and never gave any inclination that she had produced numerous singles with her record label.”
Claypoole said a memory she will never forget is when she first played one of Davidson’s singles in class.
“She had no idea I knew she had released anything, and I added her songs to our class playlist,” Claypoole said. “She was in the middle of sewing, and when it came on, she froze and smiled, but was in pure shock. And, ever since that day, when a new single of hers is released, it is added to Mrs. Claypoole’s playlist.”
![](https://eaglenationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-23-at-9.55.17-PM-e1648090829533-408x475.png)
Davidson sang her original song “Nice Guy” for her “American Idol” audition, before singing “Step Off” by Kacey Musgraves.
“Meeting the judges was really surreal,” Davidson said. “In the moment, it was hard to process that they were actually right there in front of you. It was really cool to hear their advice and get to sing for them.”
Contestants receive a “Golden Ticket” if they impress the judges – to which Davidson did – before advancing to the next round in Hollywood, California. Though her audition wasn’t aired, the first episode of “Hollywood Week,” aired March 28, and episodes will continue airing throughout the coming weeks.
“Maybe you’ll see a familiar face,” Davidson said.
As for her other future plans, Davidson plans to move to Nashville, Tennessee in the fall.
“I’m looking forward to making more music and moving to Nashville,” Davidson said. “I think my younger self would definitely be happy that I chose to pursue my passion.”
Your donation will support the student journalists of Prosper High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
![Photo of Gabriella Winans](https://eaglenationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Gabriella-Winas-317x475.jpg)
Honors & Awards:
NSPA Top 10 National Finalist – Writer/Portfolio of the Year
2021-2022 UIL State Headline Writing - 6th place
2021-2022 UIL Regional Headline Writing - 2nd place
2021-2022 UIL District Headline Writing - 1st place
2020-2021 UIL District Feature Writing 1st place, Headline Writing 2nd place
2020-2021 UIL Regionals Feature Writing 4th place, alternate to UIL State
18 Best of SNO publications
10 individual ILPC placements
3 Best in Texas Superior Ratings, 4 Excellent Ratings, 3 Honorable Mentions
2021 TAJE Fall Fiesta Superior Rating - Live Feature Writing
PHS Writer of the Year, 2020-2021
NSPA and TAJE Student Journalist National Honor Roll
Quill & Scroll International Honor Society member
National Honor Society member