This kid has got IT.
American Idol has had a great showcase of country music this season, with contestants like Loretta Lynn’s granddaughter, Emmy Russell. But from the jump, Will Mosley has been one who I feel captures the star quality to be the next big name in country music.
His raspy voice instantly captivated me, and his performance of Glen Campbell’s “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” sold me on him, but his most recent performance blew that out of the water. This week, Mosley took on covering Chris Stapleton’s “Starting Over.” The simple yet booming vocals of Stapleton are always a challenge to recreate, but Mosley flawlessly executes the cover.
The 23-year-old from Georgia has a voice well beyond his years, and the slight growl he adds to the notes helps make the song his own without diminishing the beauty of the lyrics Stapleton penned. This is hands down one of the best covers of this track I have heard, and the judges agree.
“Way to go, Will Mosley. You know what I love about that particular performance is that you went from 0 to 100 in less than two seconds. In other words, the song was right, the rhythm was right.
Your voice came in, and that was the end of the ballgame. You have instant identity with that voice, by the way. I want you to know that. That’s a voice I could close my eyes from all the contestants and know, that’s Will Mosley.
By the way, you did an amazing job. Congratulations. I love what you just did.”
Lionel Richie kicks off the praises after the song’s conclusion. Katy Perry shares similar sentiments but wants Mosley to emote more with this face. However, if you have ever seen Stapleton perform, you know he is stoic and lets the music speak for itself, and I feel as though Mosley is the same when it comes to his artistry.
This performance is a perfect example of knowing what works with your voice and learning into it. Mosley knocked this one out of the park.
