Meet Courtney Timmons! Ryan Seacrest brought the American Idol hopeful on the radio show on Friday, February 28, to share her incredible story — and rule-breaking moment!
The security guard from Atlanta, Georgia, thought she was showing up to the open call auditions only to find out she missed the chance. But instead of walking away, Seacrest shared, Courtney didn’t give up.
Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan heard Courtney singing outside as they were entering the building and Seacrest went to save the day.
“I thought it was the open call auditions,” Courtney explained. “But I wasn’t going to leave … I was like I must sing for them. Like they have to hear me so I was willing to wait however long it took.”
Seacrest ended up being able to bring her inside and before the judges to audition and — spoiler alert! — she got a ticket!
“I was like this is not happening right now!” she gushed. “I was meant to be there and I thank you so much.”
Listen back to Courtney’s interview above and catch the tear-jerking inspirational moment all go down during American Idol on ABC this Sunday at 8/7c.