It was just another day at work for 18 year old Delaney Renee Wilson. The Berkley, MA babysitter was taking care of the kids she works with, while singing a song from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She was completely unaware that the children’s mother, Nicki Maher, was recording her singing. Fast forward; that video of Delaney singing now has over 10 million views! Maher said, “I was like, I want her to hear herself when she knows nobdy’s watching. I was blown away to tears, cried the first time I heard her sing. ”
The video went viral about 6 months ago. Last night, the “singing babysitter” audtioned for American Idol! She sang pop singer Sia’s “Opportunity,” and was widely praised by judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry. Which means (spoiler alert)…she is going to Hollywood!
The Berkley native, is now attending The Berklee College of Music. Her audition aired last night on ABC TV. Delaney grew up idolizing Katy Perry, so it was a really big deal to hear praise from the pop icon. As she is known to do, Ms. Perry provided a moment of comic relief, saying, “What’s your hourly rate and do you do 1-year-olds?”
Renee’s dad is also a musician, and she’s been singing since she was just 6 years old. She never had much confidence, until the video went viral and the praise poured in. Here’s to our hometown girl, Delaney Renee, as her American Idol journey begins!
