MIAMI LAKES, Fla. – Yurisbel Garcia, also known as “El Yuri,” said he wants to be the first Cuban “American Idol” to show the country how “El party” is done.
“They don’t expect, you know, this flavor to come out there,” he said.
In true Miami 305 spirit, the performer wore his white dress shoes and his oversized sunglasses for the singing competition. His audition was included in the show, which airs nationwide at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
“I am like a fireball!”
Garcia, 25, said his moves and beats are inspired by Pitbull and his grandmother’s taste in music — everything from the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, to The Sun of Mexico, Luis Miguel.
The Miami-Dade County resident, who moved to Miami Lakes from Cuba when he was a teenager said, his family was proud. He said just being able to interact with the judges — Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — during his audition was a dream come true.
“My mom, my dad, you know they love Lionel Richie,” he said adding, “Katy Perry has been like my dream girl this whole time.”
Garcia said he is ready for “American Idol” but is America ready for him? It’s too early to say, as other hopefuls from across the country also try to impress the judges during the audition rounds.
If the judges choose “El Yuri,” he will have to win over hearts nationwide. It will be up to the viewers to vote from home for the singer who will be crowned as the next “American Idol.”
SHOW’S HISTORY
A Hispanic has yet to win the competition, which has had 17 seasons. Kelly Clarkson was the first “American Idol” in 2002 when Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell were the judges.
Ruben Studdard won season two. Three other Black singers have won since. Fantasia Barrino won season three, Jordin Sparks won season six, and Candice Glover won season 12.
All of the winners from seasons seven through 11, were white men who play the guitar: David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, and Phillip Phillips.