On tonight’s (Feb. 27) episode of ‘American Idol,’ Arkansas native Rachel Hale charmed the judges with her passionate delivery of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals’ ‘Nothing but the Water.’ She showcased a bold, self-assured side of herself yet still managed to be the same cheerful, humble and endearing girl we all know and love.

Born and raised in a small Southern town, Hale has branched out and now attends Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., where she’s pursuing a major in songwriting. “Tonight, I’m gonna go out there and be me, ‘cause no one else can,” she declared with confidence before taking the stage.

Her delivery of the gospel-inspired Grace Potter tune was rich with spirit and made even stronger by the talented band behind her. “I’m excited that you came alive!” exclaimed 'Idol' judge Nicki Minaj, who went on to praise her for coming out of her shell and revealing a new side of herself. “I felt like the song maybe got on top of you a little bit … but overall, what I love about you is your spirit,” remarked Keith Urban.

In a night of ballads, Randy Jackson was happy to finally hear an uptempo song. The 'Idol' panelists all praised Hale for her genuine smile and sunny disposition. But then they threw a very unexpected curve ball at us by sending her home at the end of the episode. We're sad to see her go, but we know she'll keep on singing and spreading that infectious joy around.

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