Lionel Richie feels heartbroken as 9-year-old Ronda Felton abruptly alters her entire life. We are all, too! Her fantastic audition was our favorite ‘American Idol’ moment. Ronda Felton’s narrative is about resilience in the worst of situations, something the judges and fans of ‘American Idol’ can connect to. Lionel Richie was particularly moved by Ronda’s past, but she drew him to tears when she began her performance.

She did a wonderful, deep version of Jennifer Hudson’s ‘One Night Only’ from Dreamgirls, hitting every note precisely. One judge’s comment made this one of our favorite moments, but her singing impressed them too.

“God creates a break in the wall. That fissure is just enough for you to pass through. And, my darling, you just discovered that crack—because that was the moment that changed your life,” remarked Lionel Richie, eliciting tears and an embrace from Ronda.

When she rushes to collect her mother to introduce them before the judges, the entire family breaks down in tears. Ronda and her mother (Juretha Jones) sang her favorite song, ‘Zoom’ by the Commodores, as a celebration.

Former Commodore Lionel Richie comes in. It’s an incredibly heartbreaking scene in a drama that constantly tugs on our heartstrings. One reason audition weeks are so popular among spectators is that they evoke strong emotions.