American Idol capped its two-night season 12 premiere with Lazaro Arbos, a 21-year-old Florida resident with a speech impediment. Arbos stuttered while introducing himself but impressed the judges with a stutter-free rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
"Just sing all the time," new American Idol judge Keith Urban told Arbos after the audition.
Fellow judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson joined Urban in advancing Arbos to the next round. Arbos and other hopefuls will congregate in Hollywood to audition again.
Viewers quickly reacted to the emotional audition on Twitter using hashtag #IdolInspire:
I haven't watched American idol in years and I'm going to watch every episode just to cheer for Lazaro #idolinspire— Meagan Issa (@ItsMeggles_) January 18, 2013
Omg LAZARO ARBOS is my favorite. He's beautiful, he's sweet, and he's AMAZING. I'm in tears!!! I love him. #IdolInspire— Rachel (@mjrockinrobin90) January 18, 2013
Last one again crushes me #Idolinspire. The stutter disappears when Lazaro sings. Like Durban. That's God as I see it.— Billy Bush (@billybush) January 18, 2013
Curious why Lazaro Arbos doesn't stutter when he sings? Read this - bit.ly/stutterproject - Good luck to Lazaro. @americanidol #idolinspire— Music Court (@musiccourt) January 18, 2013
I seriously got the chills from Lazaro .... such a moving story and his voice was heavenly #idolinspire— Abstract âš¡ Zack (@THEGAYBARBIE) January 18, 2013
Lazaro's story is the most inspiring thing I have ever seen in my life. It is amazing how God works in people's lives #idolinspire #4xYES— Kevin MacCudden (@MacCudden22) January 18, 2013
Keep on singing Lazaro! Don't let anyone keep you down. You're beyond inspirational!#idolinspire #SingLoudAndProud— Rhiannon (@rhirhi0706) January 18, 2013
Meanwhile, Arbos has been busy replying to fans (he calls them #Lazis) on Twitter:
Ahh the support has been amazing I love you love you all!! I'm trying to respond to as much people as possible :) #lazis— Lazaro Arbos (@lazaromusic) January 18, 2013
I'm sorry I can't stop saying thank you to each and everyone of you!! #lazis everyone has been so incredible— Lazaro Arbos (@lazaromusic) January 18, 2013
#lazis it's been fun but I'm finally going to bed :) goodnight world this has been the most amazing nights of my life :) thank you all again— Lazaro Arbos (@lazaromusic) January 18, 2013