Sure, Carrie Underwood is the country star behind hits like “Before He Cheats” and “All-American Girl,” but turns out, she’s also a huge fan of nu-metal.
In a clip from season 23 of American Idol, in which Underwood took over for Katy Perry on the judges panel alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, an 18-year-old musician named Insite auditions. The long-haired Florida native begins his audition by performing “Freak On a Leash” by Korn, much to Underwood’s excitement.
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“You’ve got the hair for it,” she tells the young aspiring star. As he begins to belt the lyrics and head bang along to the beat, Underwood is seen grooving and singing with Insite, which surprised her fellow judges Bryan and Richie. “She knew every word! Who are you?” Richie said to the country star.
When the judges ask for another “softer” audition song, Insite opts for “Bodies” by Drowning Pool.
“We’re starting to learn about Carrie’s alter egos,” Bryan says as Underwood joins Insite for the “Bodies” performance, as she dances and sings along with the teenager — even inspiring Bryan to head bang at one point.
“That was high school for me,” Underwood explains. “I’ve even crowd surfed, people.”
Ultimately, Insite got three approvals for his auditions, earning his way to the next round of the show. Watch his full audition below. American Idol airs on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Episodes are available to stream on Hulu the next day.
