It has long been said that talent skips a generation. But thanks to Grace's American Idol audition, that was televised on the Feb. 27, 2022, that saying has been debunked.

Before singing, the 15-year-old high schooler shared her special lineage with the judges and the world. In her introduction video, Grace shared that she's aware that people expect her to sing like [Aretha], but she has her own style. “I’m my own artist, and I have my own voice,” Grace said before belting out Fugees' “Killing Me Softly.”

Grace's American Idol audition was televised on the Feb. 27, 2022.

Even though Grace sang the hit song beautifully, it didn't sway the judges. Luke Bryan shared that he felt the song was "a little sleepy and subdued." Katy Perry chimed in to say that "it was soft." Katy then asked Grace if she had another song to sing, to which the Detroit native suggested singing Aretha's hit, "Aint No Way."

The judges were amazed by her rendition, but Lionel Richie felt that Grace needed more time before she was ready for the American Idol stage. Luke explained that if she had more command of her voice, she would be able to make it through a few rounds. This led to both Lionel and Luke giving a vote of "no." However, Katy was adamant about Grace getting a shot.

“I’m sure Aretha wasn’t Aretha when she walked into the room,” Katy said. “Somebody said ‘yes, I want to work with you, I want to develop something.’ She’s got stardust on her.”

Unfortunately, Lionel wouldn't back down. He felt that Grace simply needed to hone her shills a bit more.

“If you go and come back and put the shyness behind you and the voice in front of you, you are going to be something amazing,” he said. “I don’t want to be the one to make you tip over and fall at this infant stage.”

Katy ended up walking away from the judges table in protest — however, Lionel stuck to his guns and explained that once Grace puts in the work, she'll be golden.

“I don’t want this to be a crash and burn,” Lionel tells Grace.