On the first night of Hollywood Week on American Idol 2025, Ché Chesterman — former X Factor UK 2015 finalist — took to the stage with a soul-stirring rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You.” At 28 years old and now a father of three, Ché brought a depth of emotion and maturity that left the entire audience breathless. The room fell silent as his rich, heartfelt vocals filled the stage, and by the final note, the crowd was on its feet in thunderous applause. Judge Lionel Richie even commented that Ché’s voice sounded “like it came straight from Atlanta, Georgia” — a testament to the soulfulness he brought, despite being from the UK.

Ché Chesterman Stuns on American Idol 2025 with Soulful Donny Hathaway Tribute

On the first night of Hollywood Week on American Idol 2025, Ché Chesterman—known to many as the powerhouse finalist from The X Factor UK in 2015—returned to the spotlight and delivered a moment that no one saw coming.

Now 28 years old and a father of three, Ché took to the stage with a moving rendition of Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You” that left the entire room breathless. Gone was the young hopeful from a decade ago—replaced by an artist weathered by life, strengthened by experience, and fueled by love.

As his rich, velvety vocals poured through the theater, a hush fell over the crowd. The tenderness. The pain. The soul. Every note carried meaning, as if Ché were singing a letter straight from his heart. By the time he hit the final note, the silence broke into a thunderous standing ovation.

Even judge Lionel Richie, no stranger to emotional performances, was visibly moved. “That voice,” he said, “sounds like it came straight from Atlanta, Georgia.” It was the ultimate compliment—one that spoke volumes about the soulful authenticity Ché brought to the Idol stage, despite hailing from the UK.

It wasn’t just a performance. It was a comeback, a revelation, and perhaps the start of a new chapter in Ché Chesterman’s musical journey.