Is Amelia Hammer Harris Already the ‘American Idol’ Frontrunner?

The American Idol revival is only be a week old, but the reality juggernaut may have already found its front-runner.

Contestant Amelia Hammer Harris has the music industry in her bones. The American Idol hopeful is the daughter of songwriter Jack Hammer, who’s credited as a co-writer for “Great Balls of Fire.” Amelia asserted on last night’s episode that Jack Hammer also wrote “Yakety Yak,” but Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are listed as the creators for that particular tune, so that’s a mystery for another day. What’s less enigmatic, however, is Harris’ musical prowess.

The 26-year-old Kentucky native dazzled the judges last night by performing a, to quote the estimable Lionel Richie, “sultry” rendition of the Rolling Stones classic “Gimme Shelter.” Most contestants arrive on Idol as a work in progress, but as you can tell by watching the above video, Amelia Hammer Harris already looks like the complete package.

Richie wasn’t the only judge impressed by the singer’s vocal talent.

“I would like to say that this is top-ten material right now,” Katy Perry beamed. “I love you,” Luke Bryan said. “I feel like you’re one of the most put together artists.”

The universal praise from the judges resulted in the future superstar earning a ticket to Hollywood. We know it’s early and we’re sure to meet a slew of formidable contestants, but as of now, Amelia Hammer Harris has risen to the top of the charts on American Idol.

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