Burnell Taylor Performs ‘I’m Here’ From ‘The Color Purple’ on ‘American Idol’

When Burnell Taylor came onto the 'American Idol' audition stage last night, Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey were surprised by the 19-year-old New Orleans native's song choice.

'I'm Here' from 'The Color Purple' has always been sung by Celie, and 'Idol' alumns Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia both performed it in the past. The emotion that Taylor brought to the song was so heartfelt that it made Carey cry.

"I felt every single word you sang," she said wiping tears away. That's spectacular.

Minaj agreed, "That is what we came for. I feel like we were flying all around this country for that. That thing that can't even put in words."

After that performance, it was obvious that Taylor was heading to Hollywood. And if he brought the same power he did at the auditions, he is bound to go far in the competition.

What did you think of Taylor Burnell's audition? Tell us in the comments below.

Watch Taylor Burnell Perform 'I'm Here'