Meet Kayko: The Idol Contestant Who’s Got Everyone Talking
He’s got talent, charisma, and now, a new nickname for Ryan Seacrest. American Idol contestant Sam Kelly-Cohen, better known as Kayko, has fans buzzing after referring to the show’s host as “dad” during an Instagram video. The 23-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shared the sweet moment while watching his performance alongside his actual father, creating a heartwarming scene that’s resonating with viewers everywhere.
It all started when Kayko posted a video on April 15, showcasing his performance on the hit ABC show. With a playful tone, he captioned the post: “Dad gets to see me on #AmericanIdol TONIGHT!! Top 14.” He then added a cheeky PS: “This is my real dad, not Ryan Seacrest, but Ryan, feel free to still legally adopt me. I can have two dads!” The lighthearted comment quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions from fans who loved the connection between Kayko and Ryan.
The Night Kayko Stole the Show
On the April 14 episode, Kayko performed his original song “Over You,” a track that left Ryan Seacrest speechless. The 49-year-old host, who doesn’t have children of his own, couldn’t help but gush over Kayko’s performance, calling him the “King of originals.” Fans of the show were equally impressed, noting how Kayko’s music brought a fresh energy to the competition.
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But Kayko wasn’t done yet. The very next day, he returned to the stage with another original composition, “What If?” This time, it was the judges who were left in awe. Katy Perry couldn’t contain her excitement, telling Kayko, “You’re going to be a megastar! I’m so excited for the next five years of your life. I’ll be there to see you on tour.” Meanwhile, Lionel Richie added his own praise, saying simply, “I believe in you.” It’s moments like these that remind us why American Idol continues to captivate audiences year after year.
Kayko’s father was beyond proud of his son’s performance. Watching the episode at home, he exclaimed, “There’s the Sam we know. Look at that!” during Kayko’s impressive guitar solo. After hearing the judges’ feedback, he turned to his son and said, “You’re an entertainer. You take over the stage. That’s what you do. You burn energy. You light up the audience. You crank them up.” Clearly, Kayko’s family is fully invested in his journey, and it’s moments like these that remind us of the power of support from loved ones.
Not Everyone Is a Fan…Yet
While Kayko’s charm and talent have won over many fans, not everyone is convinced. Some critics on social media have accused him of being an “industry plant,” suggesting that his success on the show might be orchestrated. One user wrote, “Kayko is probably an industry plant. This is ridiculous #AmericanIdol.” Another chimed in, “Can we all agree Kayko does NOT deserve this? His voice is average. His songs are great, but that’s not what American Idol is about.”
Despite the naysayers, Kayko has his fair share of supporters. One fan shared, “Out of 20 finalists, I see five that could win this competition. Including #Kayko! He’s written over 400 songs, plays piano and guitar, and he’s only 23! This man is giving me goosebumps. #AmericanIdol just might be pop-culture relevant again! Whoa!” Clearly, Kayko’s unique blend of songwriting and musicianship is resonating with some viewers in a big way.
