Carrie Underwood may have just found the next Taylor Swift on American Idol season 23. During the March 30 episode, 18-year-old Zaylie Windsor auditioned with her original song “The Used.” The heartfelt performance captured the attention of the judges, especially Carrie Underwood. The moment was electric. Carrie Underwood compared Zaylie’s performance to Taylor Swift’s early years in the industry, sparking excitement among viewers.

Zaylie’s Song and Its Connection to Taylor Swift

Zaylie Windsor’s audition was a standout. She sang an original song she wrote at the age of 14, titled “The Used.” The song, inspired by a breakup, delves deep into the emotions of moving on and rediscovering yourself after losing someone. This theme of heartache and personal growth is something that Taylor Swift has famously explored throughout her career. This is particularly true in her earlier albums like Fearless and Red. As Zaylie performed, her blonde bangs and acoustic guitar made her seem almost like a young Taylor, evoking memories of the singer’s early years.

Carrie Underwood’s Taylor Swift Comparison

Carrie Underwood didn’t hesitate to make the comparison. She praised Zaylie’s songwriting and voice, noting that there was a clear connection to Taylor Swift’s early style. “The girl has a Taylor Swift-esque quality,” Underwood said. “She doesn’t have this giant vibrato or belty voice, but there’s something in there.” Carrie saw in Zaylie the same kind of raw emotional connection that Taylor Swift has been known for in her songwriting. This was evident even in her teenage years. For Carrie, it was clear that Zaylie had the potential to grow into a major artist, just like Swift did. Once again, Underwood compared the potential of Zaylie to the early days of Swift.

Zaylie’s Potential and Taylor Swift’s Influence

Zaylie might not have the belting voice that some of the other American Idol contestants have. However, Carrie Underwood emphasized that this shouldn’t be a negative. Instead, Carrie saw the emotional depth and sincerity in Zaylie’s performance. “If she did that at 14, she must have a lot of other things in her arsenal that she could bring to the table,” Underwood pointed out. Underwood compared this style of songwriting to what Taylor Swift became known for in her teens. Swift wrote deeply personal songs that resonated with millions.

Luke Bryan’s Doubts and Carrie’s Defense

Despite Carrie’s strong support for Zaylie, Luke Bryan wasn’t immediately sold. He expressed doubts about Zaylie’s readiness, suggesting that the song seemed too simple. It wasn’t quite up to the level of the competition. “It feels like a 14-year-old level of song to me,” he said. However, Carrie wasn’t backing down. She passionately defended Zaylie, stating that the young singer had a lot of potential. She drew an even stronger connection to Taylor Swift’s style. Carrie argued that while Zaylie may not have the vocal power some other contestants have, her songwriting ability and authenticity could be just as important in her journey. Through this, Underwood compared the path of Zaylie to the success of other significant artists.

Zaylie’s Reaction to the Comparison

After the judges voted to send her through to Hollywood, Zaylie was visibly touched by Carrie’s support. She expressed how meaningful it was to have Carrie Underwood compare her to someone as iconic as Taylor Swift. “Carrie is incredible, so it’s an honor to have her fight for me like that,” Zaylie said. For Zaylie, the comparison to Taylor Swift wasn’t just a compliment. It was a validation of her unique talent and potential in the music industry.

The Taylor Swift Legacy on American Idol

Taylor Swift’s influence on today’s pop and country music is undeniable. It seems that her impact is being felt on American Idol as well. Underwood’s comparison of Zaylie to Swift suggests that Zaylie Windsor might be on the same path toward stardom, with songwriting at the core of her talent. This type of recognition could set Zaylie up for success. It worked for Taylor Swift, who started out as a country singer-songwriter before becoming a global pop sensation.

Zaylie’s Bright Future Ahead

With Carrie Underwood’s endorsement, Zaylie Windsor has a bright future ahead of her on American Idol. As the competition moves forward, fans will be watching to see if she can continue to grow and evolve as an artist—just like Taylor Swift did. If Zaylie can harness her songwriting abilities and connect with audiences the way Taylor Swift has over the years, she could be well on her way to becoming a major star in her own right.