Athena Jett advances to 'American Idol' thanks to her secret weapon, little sister

Sometimes all you need is that little extra push from someone who knows how special you are. On Monday night (March 17) his audition episode American Idol20-year-old Athena Jett from Las Vegas came with confidence and a voice that should have at least gotten her a look from judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

But just in case, she also had her adorable 12-year-old sister (and best man) Angelina to boost her chances with good energy and a special homemade gift for four-and-a-half-year-old Perry. daughter, Daisy Dove; Angelina proudly handed over a crocheted pink and white daisy-covered purse, of course, with Perry loving the sweet gesture and giving Angelina a hug, saying Daisy sure “loves a purse.”

In the keynote, Athena talked about how close the sisters are and how Angelina is her “biggest fan…she's such a bright ball of energy and believes in me so much.”

Perry then invited Angelina to stand by the piano as Athena sang a somewhat shaky version of Sophia James' 2021 jazz ballad, “Somebody New.” Angelina broke down in tears, as did Brian, with Perry praising the singer's “beautiful voice” but saying that Athena's nerves seemed to be getting the best of her. “People are out there fighting tooth and nail so I'm worried about putting you in the ring,” Perry said.

Then, out of the blue, Angelina raised her hand — as she and Athena whispered “I Love You” to each other across the room — and asked if she could suggest a different song for her brother to sing. “I don't want to go in or anything, but I remember for a piano recital my sister sang 'Never Enough' from The Greatest Showman. I really think it was a really good song that she sang,” Angelina said.

Perry repeatedly encouraged Athena to raise her voice and sing it loud as the singer hit a series of high notes during her second run and Perry jumped to her feet, sweeping Angelina into a giant spinning hug. “Good job, you're coming to Hollywood too,” Perry said as he shook Angelina's hand.

“I couldn't have done this without her,” Athena told the tearful panel, as Perry said he went from a “hard no” to “what the hell was that? This was amazing. You must use it. This is your sword!” Brian praised a tearful Angelina for being so brave and rushing to her sister's behalf, after which a tearful Angelina handed the golden ticket to her devastated big sister.

Watch Athena Jett's audition below.