American Idol: Monroe’s Clara Rae Shocks Judges

It is no secret that some of the biggest musical legends have come from Louisiana. Luis Armstrong, Tim McGraw, Lil Wayne, Harry Connick JR., and Lainey Wilson just to name a few. Shreveport, Louisiana, holds bragging rights to being the hometown of Kix Brooks, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jordan Davis, and Willie Jones. To say that Louisiana is a cradle of musical talent is an understatement.

Monroe, Louisiana, Has Officially Entered the American Idol Competition

You might recognize the contestant in denim and a cowboy hat if you frequent Flying Heart Brew & Pub.

This Monroe, Louisiana Native Confused American Idol Judges With Her Song Choice

"It's a day for denim" is what American Idol judge Luke Bryan said when he saw Clara Rae. Clara Rae is a 22-year-old musician who described herself as "a girl in the corner of a bar with an acoustic guitar," which might have resonated with American Idol judge Carrie Underwood because she started singing that phrase, and now we want the full version of that song. Instead of the Monroe native performing a country song like the judges thought she would, she performed "Radioactive.". That country twist on "Radioactive" was enough to secure the Monroe native a golden ticket.

The crew at American Idol described her cover as "epic," and we would definitely agree. The post said, "The girl in the bar with an acoustic guitar is now on #AmericanIdol! Congratulations to golden ticket winner Clara Rae!"