Kentucky native Kyra Waits is going to Hollywood thanks to her determination. The American Idol contestant shared with Ryan Seacrest on-air she didn't give up on her dream despite auditioning five times before on the hit reality show because she knows its her path in life.
Waits, who is from Berea, earned a gold ticket to the 22nd season during Sunday night's episode following her impressive audition in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on ABC.
It was her sixth audition!
"I've always loved the show. I grew up watching it ... ever since I was a little girl singing has run in my family and I never saw myself doing anything else than being a singer and I guess that's what pushed me to keep trying."
Kyra added she's learned that if you keep trying, you'll succeed.
"You're never going to get told 'yes' if you stop."
Watch back the full interview in the video above for more and catch Kyra's journey on Idol on Sundays at 8/7c on ABC!