How Lauren Daigle’s “No” from American Idol Launched Her to Success

“You Say” singer Lauren Daigle actually heard a “no” from Simon Cowell on American Idol.

In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan (of all places,) she recounted the story of how that “no” shaped her future and spurred her on to where she is now.

Lauren says, “It’s amazing how a ‘no’ can be detrimental in one place, but how much power it can also give you! … I was at the very end of Hollywood week when you walk in and sit with the judges and they tell you ‘Yes, you’ve made it to the Top 24’ or ‘No, you have to go home.’ Sure enough, it was Simon Cowell, and he said, ‘I’m sorry, but it’s gonna be no.’ I opened the door and I see my mom and tears just start streaming down myself.

I remember thinking, ‘My whole plan has just flipped upside down…’ I knew right then, sitting in that moment, I’m going to have to decide whether I’m going to get back up and start trying or if I’m gonna let that just determine the course of my life.

I remember thinking, ‘What are the next steps? I don’t even know.’ So I moved to Baton Rouge and went to college and while I was at college, that’s when I met this band. We would sing covers in all different places… and I remember just love it! I knew something’s coming! This is training ground. I can feel it…”

After singing background vocals on an album and getting invited to an artist retreat, a label saw her sing and signed her!

“Its so beautiful and powerful to see where a ‘no’ can take you,” she says. “I would tell younger Lauren, ‘Just hang tight. Ride the wave. Let the journey unfold before you as it’s supposed to and you’ll be right where you’re supposed to be.”

Watch Next: Lauren Daigle Gives Incredible Advice on How to Battle Anxiety
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Cindy Doyle
Cindy Doyle
October 22, 2019 12:19 pm

She doesn’t need to. The whole world knows she’s a Christian… that’s what would be expected. Her actions…her humility…her love and grace to all around her, speak the most powerfully of her faith and the reality of God.

Samnjan
Samnjan
Reply to  Cindy Doyle
May 17, 2020 8:02 pm

She’s grown into her walk with Christ. Keep shining for His glory and you’ll be the witness God deserves.

TylerThompson
TylerThompson
Reply to  Cindy Doyle
October 27, 2020 4:06 pm

She fine!

Erica Jackson
Erica Jackson
May 6, 2019 10:33 am

I needed to see this. I’m going through a hard time in my life where pretty much all of my dreams are just seeming so far away, and I needed to be reminded again that a “no” in one instance doesn’t necessarily mean “no” for my dreams altogether. Getting to the destination may look different in God’s perfect plan for me than the journey I’m planning for myself.

Sarah Bernier
Sarah Bernier
May 6, 2019 12:37 pm

Didn’t mention God once. Is that weird?

Jaye
Jaye
Reply to  Sarah Bernier
May 8, 2019 10:05 pm

I think so.

Erin
Erin
Reply to  Jaye
May 20, 2019 4:00 pm

Many times they edited it very heavily to reflect the type of piece they want to send out. It’s quite possible that she did, but again, it could have been edited out.

PSJS
PSJS
Reply to  Sarah Bernier
May 14, 2020 1:02 pm

💁‍♀️True, they may have edited God right out of her remarks. We’ll never know for sure. However, right when I have had similar concerns, then a concert somewhere turns into a praise & worship church service and her comments are a strong witness for the Lord. I have confidence in her, we all just need to keep her daily in our prayers.😊

Sparki2003
Sparki2003
Reply to  PSJS
May 16, 2020 2:49 pm

That’s absolutely correct PSJS ! As Christians, we are called to “Let them Know that we are Christians BY our Love, and Actions; Not just with our words. However, I have watched many live interviews with @Lauren_Daigle in them; and she is very clear that “The Love of her Life” is Jesus Christ, our Lord !

Samnjan
Samnjan
Reply to  PSJS
May 17, 2020 7:52 pm

Thank you for ur heart.

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