Effie Passero, 26, wowed the celebrity judges Sunday on ABC’s reboot of American Idol.
The Modesto native, who formerly went by the stage name Francesa Bavaro, moved to Los Angeles about a year ago to pursue a music career.
She sang an original while playing the baby grand, receiving a standing ovation by all three judges afterwards.
Christina Hall knew the American Idol contestant from her regular Karaoke performances at Torii Japanese Restaurant and Lounge in Modesto.
“I was so excited for her cause I’ve been telling her every time I here her at Karaoke, that she needs to do something with that voice cause it’s not just a Karaoke voice she’s got,” Hall said.
Passero says she’s glad to see all the support from her friends and community back home.
You can watch Passero's full audition below: