'Speaking is a roller coaster': Ice cream man overcomes paralysing stutter to wow American Idol judges

The most inspirational contestant of the night was 21-year-old Lazaro Arbos, who has battled a major stutter his whole life and who moved from Cuba to Florida when he was ten.
Arbos told Mariah that speaking was like a 'roller coaster', but that the stutter goes away when he sings.
'Speaking with a stutter is really hard, the things that normal people would think would be so easy become so hard for me,' he said.

Inspiration: Twenty-one-year-old Lazaro Arbos, who has battled a major stutter his whole life, wowed the judges when he began to sing during American Idol auditions, which aired on Thursday

'We don't know where my stuttering came from it is something that goes on and no one really know why.
'No one wanted to hang out with me at school and I had no friends to go out with so I would be home. Since I was small I have always wanted to sing.'
Arbos, an ice cream scooper, from Naples, Florida, stunned the judges with his rendition of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water.'

'Just sing all the time, beautiful voice,' said Keith.
'Your story is very inspiring, you brought a really great vibe into the room,' said Nicki as Arbos burst into tears.
'You're adorable, you're gonna do great,' said Mariah as she gave him a huge hug.

His moment: Arbos, an ice cream scooper, from Naples, Florida, stunned the judges with his rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water

Sending him through: Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey gave the singer their seals of approval

Mackenzie Wasner, from Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, where Urban himself owns a home with Nicole Kidman, kicked off the show.
And Mackenzie's father, Pete Wasner, should be no stranger to Keith as he plays the piano in the band for country superstar Vince Gill.
'He is my very own American Idol judge at home," said Mackenzie before she performed 'Whenever You Come Around' which her dad co-wrote with Gill.
And the judges were big fans.
'I thought that was awesome, I loved her voice,' said Mariah. 'She is beautiful, there is a star power there that can be honed. Your voice is gorgeous.'

Back story: Arbos' parents told of how their son began stuttering suddenly at the age of six for unknown reasons

Daily battle: Arbos said that speaking was like a 'roller coaster'

Overcoming obstacles: The young singer wowed viewers with his incredible story

And Nicki, wearing a revealing leopard print top and matching hat, was on the same page as Mariah, saying: 'I think someone like you walks into a room once every few years. That does not even sound like it is in a competition, it sounds like we just listened to your first single.'
Randy also told her that he was 'really impressed' and that she had 'done that song justice.'
Keith was also onboard saying: 'What I love about your voice is that you have this great blend of strength and vulnerability.'
All four judges voted to send Mackenzie through with Nicki telling the others 'Wow, that gave me chills.'
Next up was Austin Earles, 19, from Lakeview, Michigan, who sang Mariah's hit song 'Fantasy.'
But the mohican-haired singer did not impress Carey, who interrupted him laughing to cut him off.

Poised: Arbos had a charming demeanour about his

Emotional: The stutter disappears when he sings, and Arbos was brought to tears when the judges voted him through

Star support: Mariah offered him a hug as he left the sound stage

'I was really enjoying that M', said Minaj from down the desk.
'Oh you want him to sing to you some more, that particular song?' Mariah asked her co-judge.
'I would love to constantly hear that every day,' replied Minaj coldly.
Next up was college student Kiara Lanier, 20, from Chicago, who once sang for President Obama at a birthday fundraiser.
'I got to shake his hand, we got to sing Happy Birthday for him and he hugged me and shook my hand. It was really great,' she told Seacrest.
And the contestant was quick to shower praise on Mariah, telling her: 'You made me want to sing ever since I was a little girl, being multi-racial and seeing someone who looks like me and embodies all sides of them. I want to say thank you.'
Kiara then sang 'The Prayer' by Celine Dion, which Randy told her was a 'big song', but which left all of the judges wowing when she was done.

Taking the stage: Mackenzie Wasner, from Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, where Urban himself owns a home with Nicole Kidman, kicked off the show

Hugs all around: Mackenzie was congratulated after she was put through for her rendition on Whenever You Come Around, which her dad co-wrote with Vince Gill

At odds: Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj traded barbs throughout the programme

'When all you can hear are wows then you know that was pretty freaking pretty. You have so much control, soft and high but pretty and beautiful,' said Minaj.
'I loved it too, I was really impressed,' added Randy.
And Mariah was also a fan, telling her: 'I felt she definitely has huge potential, you are a beautiful girl. Huge potential.'
And Keith added: 'You look great, you come ready to be a star.'
All of the judges voted yes and sent her through to Hollywood, with Randy saying 'She was worth it.'
Massage therapist, Melissa Bush, sang Petula Clark's hit 'Downtown' in a pink and silver shiny outfit and even bought
Randy a bright yellow 'Get Down DAWG!' t-shirt.

Belting it out: Seventeen-year-old Brandy Neelly sang Your Cheating Heart by Hank Williams

Family time: Her family was there to congratulate her backstage after she found out she was going to Hollywood

Cutting up: The judges joked between contestants

But her rendition of the song was out of tune and Bush looked on the verge of tears when Urban shouted out 'Check, please!'
Following that was baker Gabe Brown, who brought the judges cookies as gifts.
'I like your chances,' said Keith as Gabe handed over the sweet treats.
Gabe started off singing 'Gimme Shelter' by the Rolling Stones, blasting away at the judges with his huge voice.
Keith was shouting and whooping his support, but Mariah asked him if he could 'do something a little bit softer', and he followed up with Steel Dragon's 'We All Die Young.'
'Dude I like the whole rock thing,' said Randy.
And Nicky was also impressed, saying: 'I believe you. I don't think a person has to be into rock to believe the authenticity. I liked it.'

Bringing it! Gabe Brown started off singing Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones, blasting away at the judges with his huge voice

Has he got it? Austin Earles, 19, from Lakeview, Michigan, sang Mariah's hit song Fantasy - but it wasn't a hit with the diva

Some experience: Kiara Lanier, 20, from Chicago, once sang for President Obama at a birthday fundraiser

Impressive: Kiara sang The Prayer by Celine Dion, which Randy told her was a 'big song', but which left all of the judges wowing when she was done

Keith was also a fan, telling Gabe: 'I liked it too. I have found that the guys with the big, belting voices have really big hearts as well. I dug it.'
All four judges agreed and send Gabe through to Hollywood.
Up next was Kevin Navity, 25, who said he got into music through Vanilla Ice and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Digital media designer Kevin, who describes himself as 'confident', auditioned with 'One Week' by the Barenaked Ladies.
Kevin even performed a series of goofy flips and spins to impress the judges before singing.
'I feel like I'm at a bad auction and Kevin just tried to sell me an old motorbike that I don't want,' said a laughing Randy.

Surprise duet: Isabelle Parell roped Keith into singing Baby It's Cold Outside with her - and it worked!

Not her best look: Massage therapist Melissa Bush sang Petula Clark's hit Downtown in a pink and silver shiny outfit

Kevin then tried his hand at 'Come Sail Away' by Styx, but that did not do the job either.
'I think that maybe singing is not your strong gift, maybe dancing?' said Keith.
Next up was 15-year-old high school student Isabelle Parell, who roped Keith into singing the duet 'Baby It's Cold Outside.'
'I like your voice, it was a good song choice, I am not sure of your choice of singing partner though,' said a beaming Keith.
'I think I was very happy to hear a Christmas song as I love Christmas and Christmas music,' said Mariah.
Nicki told her that she loved her 'attitude' and the 'poise.'
Randy voted against her but the other three judges sent her through to Hollywood with Minaj saying she reminded her of Taylor Swift.
Keith then had to leave the show to play in a concert of his own, with Randy left to referee Nicki and Mariah.

Her passion: Recovering anorexic Mariah Pulice was open about her struggle

Emotional: Mariah went on to sing Let It Be by The Beatles and she was a huge hit with the judges

She did it! The young singer and her family fought back tears as Mariah was sent through to Hollywood

'Okay listen, nobody gets hurt, lets come out having fun,' Randy told the girls.
The next contestant up, Griffin Peterson, certainly got Nicki's attention.
'Do you have a girlfriend?' asked Nicki before he sang Needtobreathe's 'Washed By The Water.'
'You look and feel to me like a star, you have something that lights up,' said Nicki.
But Randy was not impressed, telling him 'Dog I don't get it, you are nice looking guy but the voice was just barely below average.'
'Are you freaking kidding me? The girls are coming to his concert,' said Minaj.
And Mariah agreed: 'I see what the fuss is about coming from Nicki. You have a very handsome face and I think there is potential.'
Gospel singer Curtis Finch Jr., 24,  was next up singing Smokie Norful, who Randy had talked to on the phone the night before.

Stepping out: Clifton Duffin's parents had never heard him sing before he performed at the audition

He impressed: Clifton performed his mother's favorite song Superstar by Luther Vandross

As Finch hit falsetto notes during the song Mariah raised her hand in the air, while Nicki closed her eyes.
'OMG, let's hear it for the boy,' shouted Minaj as the judges put him through to the next round.
After Finch introduced his friend to Mariah, Nicki asked her 'Do you know what it is like to meet Mariah Carey for the first time?'
Mariah struggled to take the compliment, replying:'You did not like me when you met me for the first time in New York.'
But Nicki was sincere, saying 'It is monumental' to which Mariah replied 'Well thank you Nicki.'
Next up was recovering anorexic Mariah Pulice, who was open about her struggle.
'I have had a rough couple of years. I am recovering from anorexia, it is an everyday battle. When I got really, really sick, I stopped singing. Anorexia engulfed everything in my life,' she said.

Turning heads: Kevin Navity, 25, said he got into music through Vanilla Ice and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Miss personality: Ieisha Cotton, 19, talked about being a professional dancer before singing Ashanti's Thank You

Bust a move! Ieisha and Kevin did a few steps for the judges during their auditions

Holding back: Nicki had to bow her head during an emotional moment

'I lost a lot of friends, there were days that I did not get out of bed. I have made a tremendous amount of progress.
'If there was no music I would not be alive. When I began to sing again it felt amazing. This eating disorder has not beaten me and it will not beat me.'
Mariah went on to sing 'Let It Be' by The Beatles, and she was a huge hit with the judges, who all fought back tears as they sent her through to Hollywood.
'I really, really felt that song coming from you, your spirit is coming out through your music,' said Nicki.
'You touched me. I know what it's like to have to sing through tears,' said Mariah.
I am proud of you for sharing your story, I can't imagine how many people out there share your story.'
And it had a huge impact on the contestant as she burst into tears and told them 'I feel beautiful for the first time in a long time.'

Fire starter: Fire-performer Kez Ban was next up

In the zone: Kez' performance was good enough for the judges to ask her to perform an original song on her guitar

Up first on the second day of Chicago auditions was 17-year-old Brandy Neelly, who was adopted by her aunt in Louisville, Kentucky.

Brandy, who sang 'Your Cheating Heart' by Hank Williams, admitted she was 'starstruck' at being in front of her hero Keith Urban.
'Since I was nine-years-old I have wanted to be the next American Idol,' she told the judges.
'That was a great song choice, just the way you did it,' Urban told her.
'My grandpa used to sing it,' Neelly replied.
'I bet he didn't sing it like that,' Urban told her.
Mariah told her that she was 'A-plus' amazing and the 'loved' her voice.
'It is nice to hear such a great song with such a beautiful and talented singe,' said Mariah as the judges voted her through to Hollywood

She made it: Twenty-year-old Stephanie Schimel sang Doris Day's Dream A Little Dream Of Me and got through even with Nicki's 'no' vote - because they were wearing similar eye shadow

Yes! Andrew Jones made it to Hollywood singing Knock On Wood

Next up was Josh Holiday, 24, from Celeste, Texas, who sang Brian McKnight's 'Back At One.'
'I don't think anyone in the competition sounds like you, and I think it's an exciting sound,' Nicki told him as he was voted through.
Courtney Williams, an 18-year-old Missouri student, also got through singing 'Who's Loving You' by the Jackson Five, while 28-year-old Andrew Jones made it to Hollywood singing 'Knock On Wood.'
Next up was Clifton Duffin, whose parents had never heard him sing before he performed his mother's favorite song 'Superstar' by Luther Vandross at the audition.
'I didn't feel as confident in it to share it with someone else,' 22-year-old student Clifton explained to the judges.
'I thought you did a really great job and I would have assumed you would have been singing in front of everybody,' said Nicki.

Determined: Ashley Curry, who sang Mamma Knows Best by Jessie J and admitted that people tell her voice is 'like something they have never heard before' - and kept singing after the judges asked her to stop

He's back: Repeat contestant Johnny Keyser, who was instantly asked, 'Got a girlfriend?' by Nicki, sang Try A Little Tenderness by Otis Redding

And Mariah was also a fan, saying 'I loved it, I really enjoyed your journey, because I can relate to it. When I was little I would sing to myself, it really hit my heart in a real way.'
Keith described the whole moment as 'beautiful' and said that Clifton had a 'diamond-in-the-rough voice' before the judges voted him through.
Nicki also connected to the story, telling Randy 'My mother never heard me rap before I made it.'

Professional dancer Ieisha Cotton, 19, showed the judges her moves, before singing Ashanti's 'Thank You.'
'I am going to delicately suggest you stay with the dancing thing, but I think you are very cute, said Mariah as Ieisha failed to make it through.
Next up was repeat contestant Johnny Keyser, who was instantly asked 'Got a girlfriend?' by Nicki, before singing 'Try A Little Tenderness' by Otis Redding.
'You're not going to be girlfriend-less for long' Johnny was told by Keith.'I thought it was great, I like your voice and I like your style.'

A different genre: Gospel singer Curtis Finch Jr, 24, was next up singing Smokie Norful, who Randy had talked to on the phone the night before

You did it! Curtis couldn't stop grinning after making it through

'You are a star, in my opinion. I thought you killed that song. You have a gift and star quality.'
Johnny got a clean sweep of votes and is headed for Hollywood.
Fire-performer Kez Ban was next up, admitting that she does not expect to win, before performing 'I've Got No Strings' from Pinocchio.
Her performance was good enough for the judges to ask her to perform an original song on her guitar.

'I loved it. I can feel the realness in you, that you really are that person that you sing about,' said Maria.
And Keith was impressed saying 'I like your voice a lot.'

Crooner: Josh Holiday, 24, from Celeste, Texas, sang Brian McKnight's Back At One

On the fence: Griffin Peterson sang Needtobreathe's Washed By The Water but the panel was split before sending him on to Hollywood

That's some competition! Ryan Seacrest stands above a sea of Idol hopefuls in Chicago, Illinois

'You are captivating, you told your story beautifully, I want to pay to come to the show,' said Nicki.
The judges liked her enough to send her through to Hollywood, which left Kez in 'total shock.'
Following that was musical theater student Ashley Curry, who sang 'Mamma Knows Best' by Jessie J and admitted that people tell her voice is 'like something they have never heard before.'
'You sing in the theater? Is the sound off?' said Randy.
'If you had the right vocal coach, you could do a lot with your voice,' before letting out a huge sigh,
None of the judges put her through.