Gabby Barrett has proven herself a force to be reckoned with on this season of American Idol.
The teen has held her own, wowing the judges week after week whether she’s performing solo, in a duet or in a group. She solidified her spot in the competition on Sunday, April 22, and is now considered a front runner to win season 16 in the finale.
Gabby Barrett is among the front runners to win American Idol Season 16 on ABC
There are still a few weeks left in the competition, which is plenty of time to get acquainted with Gabby Barrett.
Here’s what you need to know.
Who is Gabby Barrett?
Gabby Barrett is an 18-year-old Munhall, Pennsylvania, native. Before appearing on the show, where she continues to excel, she attended Serra Catholic in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
Gabby has spoken openly on the ABC competition series about the bullying she suffered there. She left high school as a result, instead enrolling online.
Her father has been a major supporter throughout her entire time on American Idol, even joining her in Hollywood.
Speaking with Triblive, her father Blaise Barrett said: ‘Gabby doesn’t have one ounce of nerves (performing for an audience) because she loves to perform in front of crowds. It is much harder for her to perform in front of the three judges [Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan].’
Gabby Barrett high school
Gabby Barrett enrolled in high school online after being bullied at a local Catholic high school. In 2017, the teen put together a tour called Dreams Really Do Come True, where she visited Pittsburgh-area high schools spreading an anti-bullying message and performing.
She remains passionate about the cause.
Gabby Barrett family
Gabby Barrett’s family has been behind her all the way in her journey to the American Idol finale. Her father Blaise Barrett serves as her manager.
He accompanies her on the road and is her biggest cheerleader. She also has the backing of the rest of her family, however.
‘Most of the time it was just me and her,’ her father said of attending show tapings. ‘But we were able to finish the last two weeks with her brother and sister supporting her. That helped a lot so she wasn’t homesick.’
Gabby is one of eight children and she’s been singing since a young age.
Gabby Barrett The Climb
Gabby Barrett’s most recent American Idol performance was her rendition of The Climb, by Miley Cyrus. The clip was posted on YouTube Sunday and has been watched more than 300,000 times.
American Idol tonight
American Idol will be on ABC on Monday, April 23, 2018, at 8 pm ET and 5pm PT. The show will be simulcast live on the east and west coasts for the first time in the show’s history, allowing for votes to be accumulated in real time.
‘We set out on a journey to find the best talent this nation has to offer,’ Channing Dungey, ABC Entertainment president said in a statement.
‘As we head into the next phase of the American Idol competition, it only makes sense to let every viewer from coast to coast experience the magic of live television and have the ability to vote for America’s next superstar.’
American Idol voting
Voting can be done online at this site, in the American Idol app, or by texting the number of the contestant you hope to cast your vote for.
The numbers are as follows:
- Caleb Lee Hutchinson: text 1 to 21523
- Michelle Sussett: text 2 to 21523
- Marcio Donaldson: text 3 to 21523
- Mara Justine: text 4 to 21523
- Garrett Jacobs: text 5 to 21523
- Ada Vox: text 6 to 21523
- Catie Turner: text 7 to 21523
- Cade Foehner: text 8 to 21523
- Dennis Lorenzo: text 9 to 21523
- Maddie Poppe: text 10 to 21523
- Jurnee: text 11 to 21523
- Jonny Brenns: text 12 to 21523
- Michael J. Woodard: text 13 to 21523
- Gabby Barrett: text 14 to 21523
Voting can only be done when polls are open. For more information, click here.