Tuskegee woman advances to top 24 on ‘American Idol’

LOS ANGELES (WSFA) - A singer from Alabama is making a big impression on the “American Idol” stage. Kezia “Lady K” Istonia is heading to Hollywood after earning a spot on the ABC show’s top 24.

The 25-year-old wowed the judges with her rendition of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.”

Not only were they taken by her vocals, she impressed them with her frankness of her life story. Lady K is originally from Montgomery and now lives in Tuskegee, the hometown of show judge Lionel Richie.

Richie was visibly impressed with her perseverance over her earlier hardships with poverty and homelessness.

The singer’s life struggles do even further. She was raised by a single mother and lost her brother to suicide. She said she has channeled this pain into her music, which host Luke Bryan called “tremendous and so honest.”