Kaya Stewart, an aspiring pop singer, received musical assistance from her renowned father during her recent audition for “American Idol.”
Stewart stunned judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie on Sunday night’s episode of the singing competition series when her father, Dave Stewart, emerged beside her. The elder Stewart was one side of the defining British pop duo, the Eurythmics, in the 1980s. He co-wrote “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” and “Here Comes the Rain Again,” among other classic tunes, with Annie Lennox.
Stewart seemed unfazed by her father’s creative legacy in a pre-recorded interview, even as she mentioned his influence on her fledgling music career.
“Music has been a part of my life since I was born,” the 23-year-old explained. “My father was a member of the Eurythmics.” My father was on tour when I was born, and I was attending concerts while still in my mother’s womb.”
Kaya Stewart’s “American Idol” tryout can be seen below.
She said, “The musician’s lifestyle has always been a part of my life.” There was never any doubt in my mind about what I wished to do with my life. That was always going to be my intention.”
Richie was reminded of a shared experience of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together last year by Dave Stewart’s appearance.
Perry, perhaps anticipating the “nepotism baby” debate, questioned why Kaya would pursue “American Idol” given all of the “different opportunities and connections” she could access as a Grammy winner’s child.
According to Kaya, the show allows her to “sing my own music,” which opens up “a whole new world for me.” She moved on to perform “This Tattoo,” a melancholy ballad co-written with her father.
Bryan, Perry, and Richie all gave total approval, and Stewart goes to the next round. Nonetheless, Perry cautioned her that the judges would “be a little bit more nitpicky with you” because of her family history.
“You understand the business,” she explained, “and the business is real.”
