Hold on for this American Idol contestant’s surprise.
As Lola Bonfiglio stepped in front of Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan for her audition during the show’s March 23 episode, the 19-year-old was accompanied by her father Rob Bonfiglio on guitar, prompting Carrie to note, “So, I’m guessing you come from a musical family.”
Before she began to sing, Lola quickly stepped out of the room and grabbed some other family members: her mother Carnie Wilson and aunt Wendy Wilson of the ‘90s trio Wilson Phillips.
After Carnie shared that she was Lola’s mom and exclaimed, “it’s a family affair” the three ladies sang the Wilson Phillips classic “Hold On” with Lola stepping in to sing lead in place of the band’s third member, Chynna Phillips.
“You can tell that is a thing with family,” Carnie—the oldest of Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson and Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford’s two daughters—said. “Everybody is genetically designed to just sound good together.”
Carnie couldn’t contain her excitement as she gushed about having the chance to be part of Lola’s big moment.
“We love singing with Lola,” she exclaimed, “but we love Lola by herself even more.”
After their stunning rendition, Carnie, Wendy, and Rob stepped to the side and allowed Lola to shine on her own as she performed Kacey Musgraves‘ “Rainbow.”
Following Lola’s solo moment, all three judges said “yes,” and she snagged a golden ticket for Hollywood.
“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 performance. “I’m just excited to grow from this experience and push myself.”
Lola isn’t the only child of a famous singer to seek their ticket to Hollywood on season 23 of Idol. Baylee Littrell was joined by his father Brian Litterell of the Backstreet Boys during the March 10 premiere as he performed an original song and landed a trip to Hollywood for his chance to become the next American Idol.
Keep reading to see more American Idol alums who have famous parents…
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.
