EXCLUSIVE: 15-year-old Haitian singer pays homage to her culture during 'American Idol' audition

A new season of "American Idol" is well under way, and that means new talent!

On The Red Carpet has an exclusive clip to share from an upcoming episode, featuring 15-year-old Abayomi Lewis. The Haitian singer and poet is a young performer with an old soul from the Bay Area.

Lewis attributes her success to her mother, who signed her up for a poetry competition in ninth grade, and the powerful women in her family.

"My grandmother has always been telling me ever since I was little, 'I have to see you on that TV,'" Lewis explains.

For her audition, she chose KIRBY's "Black Leaves."

"I chose that song because it's a song of empowerment for Black women. That's where I truly connect."

Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are the judges this season. Ryan Seacrest hosts the competition series.

For the first time ever, "American Idol" will bring the iconic Hollywood Week round to Nashville. Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover will feature one round only as the hopefuls from all musical genres take the stage for a make-or-break performance, facing the biggest Hollywood Week cut in "Idol" history.

Watch Lewis in a new episode of "American Idol" Monday, Feb. 16 at 8/7c on ABC and stream next day on Hulu.

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