Brett Carlisle, the lead singer of Great White, is taking a bold step by auditioning for the current season of American Idol, showcasing his talent on a platform that does not guarantee success, even for artists with a significant following. The 28-year-old had the opportunity to perform in front of esteemed judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan during the show’s 24th season.
A clip of Carlisle delivering a powerful rendition of “House of Broken Love” from Great White’s iconic 1989 album, Twice Shy, aired during the third week of auditions on February 9. The judges responded enthusiastically to his performance, with Underwood visibly applauding in excitement. Accompanying Carlisle were bandmates Mark Kendall and Michael Lardie, adding to the intensity of the moment.
Richie praised Carlisle’s performance, suggesting he could become a prominent figure in the rock genre if he progressed further in the competition, stating, “If you happen to go through, bring it. Especially when you’re rock. I mean, you’re going to be the poster child for this.”
Following his audition, Carlisle exited the studio holding a golden ticket – a symbol of his advancement to the next round in Hollywood, where contestants compete for a chance at stardom. American Idol airs Mondays at 8 PM ET on ABC.
Expressing his excitement on social media after the episode aired, Carlisle described receiving the golden ticket as a “dream come true.” He particularly appreciated the immense support from family and friends who traveled from across the country to cheer him on, noting, “The response from all of this has been unfathomable, and I’m so thankful for you all!”
This marked Carlisle’s first audition for American Idol. He took over as Great White’s lead singer in 2022 after the departure of the band’s original frontman, Jack Russell, who went on to form Jack Russell’s Great White. Sadly, Russell passed away in 2024 at the age of 63. Reflecting on Russell’s impact, Carlisle admired his ability to adapt his voice to the needs of different songs, emphasizing, “That is what I feel like is the test of a really good singer.”
As Carlisle continues his journey on American Idol, he may also consider exploring Great White’s underrated album, offering a wealth of material to demonstrate his talents further. With strong support from both the judges and his community, Carlisle’s future on the show appears promising, showcasing the blend of rock heritage and contemporary competition.