Minnesota Singer Stuns ‘Idol’ Judges With Powerful Original Song

There's a Minnesota singer who is already making a big impression on the new season of American Idol. In fact, the celebrity judges are already saying he's the frontrunner.

27-year-old Chris Tungseth of small town Fergus Falls, Minnesota, was the last audition for this year's American Idol. I can honestly say, producers saved the best for last!

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Class is in session for Season 24, and Chris Tungseth is finally living out his dream of becoming a singer.

Music has always been part of Chris' family. His father was a trained opera singer and eventually became a pastor and a worship leader, while his mom played the piano. He tells American Idol viewers that they did everything together growing up. Especially watching American Idol.

"I just feel so fortunate. Like I'm so blessed. I've been given the greatest family in the world."

Life hasn't always been easy for this Minnesota family. Chris' mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when he was only 10-years-old. His dad kept the family moving during those tough moments. However, years later, his dad was diagnosed with leukemia. Chris and his siblings came together to support their parents and put their own lives on hold. Chris' dad fought hard, but eventually lost his battle to cancer.

Chris says that his dad was the "strongest person" he'd ever met and his best friend. So to honor his late father, performed an original song for his  American Idol audition titled "Lonely Road." Get your Kleenex ready for this one.

Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were speechless after this performance. Carrie was immediately a fan.

"I love everything about you. I love your presence. I love how open you are and the way you 'talk communicate' and the way you 'sing communicate.' You have an incredible voice. It's powerful and it's beautiful. It's masuline and it's soft at the same time. You kind of have all the things. Just very impressive, the gift you have to work with and the way you work with it."

The video already has over 250,000 views on YouTube and over 2 million views on Facebook. No surprise: Chris got the golden ticket to the Hollywood Round.

You can watch this season of  American Idol on Mondays at 7 PM on KSFY. We're rooting for ya, Chris!