Former college athlete from Texas shines on ‘American Idol’ top 20. ‘This is your path’

Previously known for her volleyball skills, a Houston, Texas, native is showing “American Idol” viewers across the country her true calling may be singing.

Learning on Sunday, April 23, that she had advanced to the top 20 on the show, Hannah Nicolaisen took to the stage to perform Queen’s iconic 1976 song “Somebody to Love.”

Nicolaisen received a standing ovation from the judges, with Katy Perry telling her she has “turned into a full-fledged Jennifer Lawrence, while still maintaining her own authenticity.”

“That last note reminded me that this is your path,” Perry said. “Hopefully you’re just on a rocket ride.”

Fellow judge Luke Bryan commented on the “smokiness” in Nicolaisen’s voice and said she put on a “great performance.”

“Good for you for branching out there and kind of taking a swing and giving it a shot,” Bryan said. “Way to really show us another dynamic that you have.”

Nicolaisen was a volleyball player at the University of Illinois-Springfield and Cowley College in Kansas. She said on “Idol” her goal is to be a better singer than she was a volleyball player.

“Cowley nation is all here cheering you on,” the Cowley College volleyball program said in an Instagram comment.

She will find out Monday night if she has advanced to the top 12.