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Whiteville Teen Ryleigh Madison Goes Viral for ‘American Idol’ Moment

Brandon Plotnick March 14th, 2022
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were wowed by Whiteville's Ryleigh Madison, who had a hilarious moment with the judges you have to see.

Anybody from Southeastern North Carolina knows that the pronunciation of Whiteville stirs much debate, and for South Columbus High School’s Ryleigh Madison, her accurate pronunciation in her “American Idol” audition has led to a fun viral moment.

Madison, a 16-year-old from Whiteville, auditioned for the reality singing competition show last November, according to WECT. That audition out in Nashville was aired Sunday night on Idol, and led to an amusing exchange with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.

Madison explained how Whiteville isn’t pronounced like the color, even if that’s how it is spelled. But even better was what happened after that exchange.

Madison chose to sing Gabby Barrett’s “The Good Ones” for her audition song. Check out what happened below.

Here’s a look at Ryleigh Madison and her viral American Idol audition “Whiteville” moment:

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