Carnie Wilson isn’t standing for any hate against her daughter.
The Wilson Phillips singer spoke out to defend her 19-year-old daughter’s Lola Bonfiglio’s American Idol audition.
“We’re human, and the Internet is so cruel,” Carnie, 56, said at the Music of the 90’s panel on March 30 via People. “And the comments are really pissing me off, and I can’t respond.”
Carnie—who was joined by her bandmates, sister Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips Baldwin—expressed her frustration with those who didn’t believe her daughter should follow her musical footsteps. (Carnie and Wendy are daughters of Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson and Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford and Chynna is the daughter of Mamas & the Papas’ John Phillips and Michelle Phillips).
“Would you encourage a doctor’s son not to be a doctor?” she said. “Lola wants to be a singer, and they say these terrible things. And she was so hurt.” Carnie added that she and Lola are, “real people with real hearts and souls.”
But Carnie isn’t going to let any of the negativity aimed at her daughter—who advanced to the Hollywood rounds—stop Lola’s dreams.
“I encourage her to do it because she loves to sing,” the “Hold On” singer said. “But I’m so proud of her that she was even brave enough to audition. She sounds so beautiful. I’m so excited for her future. She has a stunning voice.”
Fans were introduced to Lola during the March 23 episode of American Idol where she shocked judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie after she was joined by Carnie, Wendy and her father Rob Bonfiglio for a performance of “Hold On” before she performed Kacy Musgraves‘ “Rainbow” for the solo portion of her audition.
“She did great. I’m so proud of her,” Carnie said at the panel. “And they asked us to sing, so we came and crashed the party. We love singing with her, and she sings with us on tour sometimes. She’s a really inspiring artist.”
At the time, Lola expressed what it meant for her to audition by herself after sharing the spotlight (and the stage) with her family.
“This audition I think is really going to push me, it’s out of my comfort zone because I am used to singing with my parents and with my family,” she said after her audition. “I’m just excited to grow from this experience and push myself.”
Keep reading for more famous parents whose kids auditioned for American Idol…
Nikko Smith
Son of the Hall of Famer Major League Baseball player Ozzie Smith, Nikko competed on season 4 of American Idol, singing Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do.”
Nikko made it to the top nine before he was eliminated.
Jordin Sparks
Jordin, daughter of New York Giants alum Phillippi Sparks, competed on season 6 of American Idol. She auditioned in Seattle, Washington, performing Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.”
She received a yes from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, and she went on to win the season.
Since competing in 2007, the “Battlefield” singer has dropped several hit songs and received a Grammy nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for “No Air,” her duet with Chris Brown and in 2024 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for“Love Me Like I Am” With For King & Country.
Lara Johnston
In season 10, the daughter of Doobie Brothers member Tom Johnston Lara sang Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” in a San Francisco, California audition.
She made it to the Hollywood round and was eliminated.
Jane Carey
Comedian Jim Carrey’s daughter Jane was a season 11 contestant, singing Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” in San Diego, California.
Jane made it to the first round of Hollywood week before being eliminated.
Shannon Magrane
Former St. Louis Cardinals player Joe Magrane’s daughter Shannon also competed on season 11 of the competition series. She performed a rendition of Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” and received a yes from all three judges.
Shannon secured a spot in the top 11 before she was sent home.
Gianna Isabella
Gianna, daughter of ‘80s pop star Brenda K. Starr, auditioned for season 15 of the series. She performed her mother’s hit song “I Still Believe,” and she wowed the judges.
The New Jersey contestant finished with a place in the top ten.
Amelia Hammer Harris
Amelia, daughter of pianist and “Great Balls of Fire” songwriter Jack Hammer, was a season 16 contestant on American Idol. She performed “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones in Savannah, Georgia, where judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan all gave her a yes.
She secured a spot in the top 24 before being eliminated.
Claudia Conway
Claudia, daughter of Kellyanne Conway (former Senior Counselor for President Donald Trump) and George Conway (who served as an advisor to Trump) auditioned for season 19.
Katy announced the audition on a Nov. 16 Instagram story, saying, “Well, well, well, let the games begin because Claudia just tried out for American Idol.”
The influencer sang Adele’s “When We Were Young” and Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain,” receiving a no from Luke, but a yes from both Katy and Lionel. Claudia made it to the Hollywood round before being eliminated.
Ava Maybee
Ava, daughter of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, auditioned for season 20 with Stevie Wonder’s “Lately.” She wowed all three judges, who sent her to the Hollywood round.
She made it to the top 14, singing “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles, but, alas, it was not enough to keep her in the competition.
Leah Marlene
Also competing in season 20 was Leah—daughter of Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grehan—who performed “Steal My Girl” by One Direction in her Nashville audition, securing her a spot in the next round.
She became a finalist for the season, singing “Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen and her original song “Flowers,” but was eliminated.
Lyric Mederios
Lyric, daughter of singer Glenn Mederios, auditioned for season 21 in Nashville with the song “Love Me Like You Mean It” by Kelsea Ballerini. However, Katy wanted to see her perform another song more challenging, leading Lyric to sing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.”
Luke voted no, but Katy and Lionel moved her into the next round. Lyric was eliminated shortly after in the Hollywood round.
Camila Galavis
Bachelor alum Juan Pablo’s daughter Camila auditioned for season 22 of American Idol with a performance of Joaquina’s “Rabia.” But before she sang, Juan admitted he was nervous for his daughter to enter the public eye.
“The opportunity came, she wanted to do it,” he explained. “And I say, ‘I don’t know if you’re old enough.’ That was last year. I’d say, ‘Well maybe next year.’ And then, here she is. So, we’ll see how it goes.”
Lionel voted no, but Katy and Luke decided to move Camila to the next round. However, she was ultimately cut during Hollywood week.
Emmy Russell
Following in the footsteps of her music legend grandmother Loretta Lynn, Emmy auditioned for season 22 with her own original song “Skinny” about her experience with eating disorders. The performance secured her a golden ticket from Lionel, Katy and Luke, who were all shocked to learn her grandmother’s true identity.
And her mother Patsy Lynn Russell–a member of the country duo The Lynns with twin sister Peggy Lynn–joined her backstage.
“She just wanted to do this honestly,” Patsy said of her daughter’s decision to audition for American Idol. “I think that when you come from a musical family, the shadow is so big. ‘How do I fill those shoes?’ Well the deal is, you don’t. You make your own shadow.”
Katy loved the performance, praising her: “You’re an A-plus songwriter. So was your grandma. You got the gift.” Emmy secured a spot in the Top 5 as a season 22 finalist, but ultimately did not win the season.
Baylee Littrell
Baylee auditioned for the competition series March 9, performing for new judge Carrie Underwood, and returning judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. He performed his original song, and his father, Backstreet Boys alum Brian Littrell, joined him on stage to sing the chorus.
All three judges voted yes for Baylee, advancing him into the next round of season 23, but he was eventually eliminated when the hopefuls were whittled from the top 20 to just 14.
