Young Widow Moves 'American Idol' Judges with Her Tearful Story of How She Lost Her Husband

Lauren Engle auditioned for "American Idol" with an original song she dedicated to her late husband.

The 27-year-old aspiring musician shared how her husband’s tragic death motivated her to pursue her dream.

Lauren stopped singing after high school, but Garrett’s encouragement for her to pursue a singing career didn’t stop.

“Last year, I was involved in a terrible car accident with my husband and losing him made me realize I've got nothing else to do, but to keep doing music and to honor him,” a tearful Lauren told judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.

Lauren recalled how she first met Garrett, her late husband, at a Halloween party seven years ago. Sharing the same passion for music (he played guitar, she loves singing), they quickly became friends.

LATE HUSBAND'S ENCOURAGEMENT

Lauren stopped singing after high school, but Garrett’s encouragement for her to pursue a singing career didn’t stop.

He eventually proposed to her on her 22nd birthday. They tied the knot and exchanged vows in September 2014. The young widow then shared about the tragic car accident that took Garrett away from her.

She said: "What we would normally do on Sundays is go and get dinner, we just had a really fun night out and next thing I knew, I woke up in the hospital. We were at an intersection, someone had run a red light and T-boned us.”

With tears streaming down her cheeks, she continued,

“I never thought being 27 years old, I’d be a widow.”

SHE'S GOING TO HOLLYWOOD

Lauren then delivered an original emotional song titled “Compass,” which pierced through the hearts of the judges, audience, and viewers.

Pop star Katy Perry said she “felt the pain” in the song’s lyrics. The three judges then voted yes.

“Without a doubt, it’s yes. You’re going to Hollywood, my dear,” said Richie.

Another noteworthy performance on "American Idol" is that of 16-year-old Layla Spring from Kentucky.

The young aspiring singer thrilled the judges and viewers when she brought her little sister, Dyxie, with her to sing "Who’s Loving You" by The Jackson 5.