Wé Ani, NJ 'American Idol' Contestant, Advances To Top 12

PATERSON, NJ — New Jersey native Wé Ani is making her powerful singing voice and unique speaking voice well-known, as she has advanced into the Top 12 in this season of "American Idol."

Ani, 24, hails from Paterson, NJ and is now based in Harlem. She performed the song "This Is Me" from movie musical "The Greatest Showman" on Monday night's show, where the final dozen contestants were revealed.

"Idol" voters liked Ani's showmanship, and have boosted her into the next round.

"I’m sooooo appreciative!" she wrote on Twitter to fans Monday night. "THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR ME!"

The "Idol" judges lineup has been Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie since 2018 — which was the show's 16th season and its revival on ABC. Ryan Seacrest has hosted every season of the show.

At her first audition, Bryan compared Ani's high, breathy speaking voice to the character Frenchie from "Grease," but she quickly silenced the judges' chatter with the deep, rich tone as she sang a song by Demi Lovato.

Richie said Ani's initial performance was "ridiculous" as he marveled at the talent in this year's class of singers.

Ani told Perry that her voice means "diligence" in Swahili, and Perry affirmed that she saw that diligence in Ani's presentation.

Ani also competed in "The Voice" Season 11 in 2016 as Wé McDonald, finishing as second runner-up.

"American Idol" airs on Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern, on ABC. Ani and the rest of the Top 12 will perform next on April 30.