Vincent Powell was the first audition featured on tonight’s episode of ‘American Idol’ (Jan. 30), and what a way to start! The Texas native blew the judges away with his soulful delivery of B.B. King’s ‘Rock Me Baby,’ causing them to utter an appreciative chorus of “ooh”s and “ahh”s.

This isn’t Powell’s first time on ‘Idol.’ In fact, he made it all the way to the end of the Hollywood week last year, but claimed that Randy Jackson took a long, slow-motion sip of his drink that made him nervous and threw him off his game. Luckily, he didn’t let his nerves get the best of him this time around (and the panelists kindly refrained from making any distracting slurping noises).

The judges were quick to voice their enthusiastic approval following his performance. “Thank you, Jesus!” praised Jackson. “It’s clear that your voice is amazing, and it’s clear that you brought so much joy to this room. I can only imagine what a gospel CD from you would do,” said Nicki Minaj. “Your voice is the kind of voice that gives people chills.” Mariah Carey agreed. “You sing like an angel,” she stated.

Needless to say, Powell’s moving on to the next phase of 'Idol.' “Can’t wait to see you in Hollywood!” he exclaimed happily after receiving his golden ticket.

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