Wichita singer makes big impression on ‘American Idol’ premiere, judges predict stardom
A Wichita singer made a big impression on “American Idol’s” cast of celebrity judges on Sunday night’s season premiere — and one of the judges even jokingly invited him to open for him at a concert.
Arthur Gunn, 20, was featured in a seven-minute clip on the opening episode of the ABC singing competition’s 18th season, its third since moving to ABC.
The heartwarming segment told the story of Gunn’s move to America from Kathmandu, Nepal, showed his family and featured him singing two songs in front of celebrity judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, who unanimously agreed to send him on to the next phase of the competition, known as the Hollywood Round.
The judges all appeared to be wowed by Gunn, whose real name is Dibesh Pokharel. The singer has been living in Wichita for about six years, having followed his sisters here after he graduated high school.
Gunn, who occasionally performed in Wichita at places like R Coffee House in Riverside, said on Sunday’s episode that his time in Kansas had influenced his musical style.
“Living in Wichita really got me into bluegrass and country,” he said during a pre-audition interview with “Idol” mentor Bobby Bones. “I hadn’t listened to (that) kind of music before, but I was like pulled toward it, you know. It was like a magnet.”
When he got an audience with the judges, Gunn performed two songs: Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. His big voice was deep and gravely.
When he was finished, the celebrity judges heaped on the praise.
“You want to open for me in Detroit, Michigan, in two weeks?” asked a laughing Bryan.
“Of course,” Gunn replied. “I’d love to.”
Judge Richie seemed the most affected by Gunn’s audition.
“Oh my god, I am loving this discovery,” he said. He then walked over to the singer and hugged him.
“I want you to understand something, and this is me talking to you,” Richie said. “You have no idea what this journey is going to be for you. You are the story that we need to tell, and welcome to the world, my friend.”
Bryan was equally impressed.
“What an American story,” he said. “This is in the middle of Kansas.”
When Gunn was escorted outside of the audition room to share with his friends and family the news that he’d advanced to the next level of the competition, there was much jumping and hugging.
“Idol” host Ryan Seacrest asked Gunn how it felt.
“This is an amazing,” he said. “It’s like a dream. It’s like an American dream.”
During a phone interview with The Wichita Eagle last week, Gunn said he submitted an online audition to “Idol” last year and was invited to attend the Wichita in-person auditions, which attracted a big crowd to Century II in September.
Wichita was one of 22 cities the show’s producers visited over a two-month period. It was “Idol’s” first scouting visit to the city since the show — which has produced stars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — started in 2002.
In the months leading up to the season premiere, Gunn has been featured in online promos and was included in a television commercial that debuted last week during The Academy Awards.
“American Idol” airs on Sunday nights on ABC, Channel 10.
This story was originally published February 16, 2020 at 10:42 PM.
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