Huntergirl — real name Hunter Wolkonowski — received some very kind words of approval from the celebrity judges on Monday night (April 4) after taking the stage for her "Showstopper" performance on American Idol.

Presenting herself on guitar and backed by a full band, the hopeful launched into an emotional cover of Ashley McBryde’s “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Her effortless vocal delivery of the country ballad was so strong it gave judge Katy Perry goosebumps.

“She is the best country singer I have heard," Luke Bryan said from the balcony area inside the venue, where hopefuls gathered to compete for a place in the coveted Top 24.

McBryde co-wrote “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” with Jeremy Bussey. She previously told Taste of Country that she was inspired to write the track after a former high school teacher called her dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter “stupid.” Despite the teacher's comment, the song, which appears as the third single from McBryde’s album of the same name, peaked in the Top 40 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

For Huntergirl, the meaning behind “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” rings true, as she has fought back insecurities and experienced self-doubt throughout her musical journey.

“There were so many times I thought about giving up, not thinking I was good enough,” Huntergirl told viewers during the two-hour telecast, through a stream of tears, “Then someone told me I was, and it meant a lot. I wouldn’t be here on American Idol if people didn’t believe in me. I finally feel I am good enough.”

When it was time to hear from the judges, giving their "final judgment," Huntergirl received some positive news.

“You have all the magic. I feel one million percent confident, and Lionel does too. Katy too,” Bryan told Huntergirl.

“If she plays her cards right, she could win it,” Perry added.

Huntergirl will now sing for America’s vote at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii alongside 23 other contestants. American Idol returns on Sunday, April 10, on ABC.

See American Idol Contestants Then and Now

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