Cumberland’s Julia Gagnon makes it to Top 8 on ‘American Idol’

Mainer and college student Julia Gagnon continued to wow both judges and viewers of “American Idol,” making the cut yet again on Sunday and getting into the show’s top eight contestants.

Gagnon, 21, of Cumberland, a student at the University of Southern Maine, was voted into the Top 8 during the show’s live broadcast Sunday night.  

Earlier in the broadcast, Gagnon showed off her skills yet again, this time singing Bryan Adams’ song “Here I Am.” Judges praised her for improving her ability to temper her big voice with contrasting low moments.

“Way to build it, way to build it,” said judge Lionel Richie. “Show off that beautiful voice at the high level. That was fantastic, I loved it.” 

Fellow judge and pop star Katy Perry said, “I thought you were Kelly Clarkson for a second,” referring to the musician who went on to a successful singing career after winning the contest on the show’s first season in 2002.

Gagnon will join her fellow finalists on the show next weekend.