American Idol has produced some of the biggest superstars today. It is a dream for young musicians to make it to this stage, graced by household names such as Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. That was the dream sibling duo, Liahona and Ammon Olayan had. On February 21st, 2021, their dream became reality. The Olayan's Idol audition was posted on YouTube and within hours had over a million views and likes! Shortly after, they released that same audition song, "Boom," with Empire Records.
We had a chance to catch up with the young superstars below to reflect on their viral Idol moment and share the news on upcoming music.
Your video has over 1.5 MILLION views on American Idol’s YouTube page. How does it feel to be one of, if not, THE most popular audition from your season, and also reading the hundreds of positive comments from people around the world? Liahona: It honestly still feels like a dream. Crazy to think that just a few months ago I was only singing in my living room and now standing in front of celebrity judges on national TV. I will forever be grateful for it and it gives me even more motivation to keep doing what I love to do. There are a lot of people that have faith in me and I don’t ever want them to stop.
Ammon: At the beginning it did not really feel real at all! I mean to get that type of positive feedback from celebrities especially off of an original song we wrote together was so out of this world. That moment was such a fun and special time where we were able to just be ourselves and share our music that we feel can help uplift and strengthen others.
Are there any behind-the-scenes moments from the show that you want to share with fans? Liahona: There were many moments that I would love to share but I wanted to share one specific one with my vocal coach. There is a lot that goes behind the scene before you step in front of the camera to be broadcasted to thousands of people. My vocal coach was a big inspiration for me. I wasn’t the biggest singer on the show. He had worked with many great singers as well like Beyoncé and so forth. But he sat me down and told me that it doesn’t matter how big your voice is or not. You’re here for a reason. And the one thing he told that me that I will never forget is that, “think like the person you’re and to become.” It really change my perspective on my life situations that day. And it will forever be entrained my mind.
Ammon: Seeing all the positive feedback from our song is so awesome! Being able to see just how much it is helping people definitely helps us keep going. This industry is not an easy one, but seeing how we can make a good difference keeps us going.
We love those moments! Speaking of your music, do you see yourselves moving forward as a duo, or as individual artists?
Liahona: I feel myself doing both. There really is no wrong way to go with this. I love making music by molded and I love making music with my brother.
Ammon: We not only have songs together, but we also have ones by ourselves. I think future wise we will become more of our own artists, but we will always be there for each other when we need help writing or coming up with tunes and we can always collaborate and right more together.
That's so exciting! We can't wait to hear your individual songs and more from the two of you together. Can we expect any new music coming soon from the two of you? Liahona: Yes! In fact my brother and I are in the middle of writing our first albums. Separate ones and ones together. I am so excited to show the world more of who we are and where our inspiration comes from.
Ammon: Yes of course! You will definitely see more new music very soon. We will be waiting! I'm sure recording new music involves a lot of inspiration and creativity. Given that it’s National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this month, how has your heritage and family influenced your music? Liahona: Music has always been a part of my life since the beginning. My culture is surrounded by it and it’s a beautiful thing. The only influences o really have comes from my culture and my family. Anything nature like, any beautiful emotion that comes from it, it’s a big part of my writing process.
Ammon: Our family is the reason we have started this journey in the first place. Our Hawaiian heritage is based upon the importance of family and how music can be used to spread that. Without our culture and family we would not be able to do any of this. To write music that can lift and strengthen.
Anything else you want to share with our readers? Liahona: Just want to thank my fans for all that they do and all their support as well. I really appreciate all the love you all have shown me in my journey and I hope you continue to keep following it.
For more information on this pop duo and all American Idol happenings, follow @KBPopculture on Instagram and TikTok!