Dalton Elliott

American Idol contestant Dalton Elliott brought Lee Brice's "Boy" to another level with a passionate audition dedicated to his son during auditions aired on March 17.

The 26-year-old Virginia construction worker brought his 3-year-old son and wife to his performance, and noted that the little guy has already taken it upon himself to "play guitar like Daddy."

Elliott was originally living in Nashville trying to create a music career until he decided to move for his family to Virginia to focus on them. That got a nod from all three judges, who told him his decision was commendable.

Judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie asked Luke Bryan what he thought of his audition. Bryan thought, then said, "Dalton, there are songs that you are going to be able to sing the fool out of. I like your tone a lot, but dial your artistry in even more."

Richie agreed: "There are singers, my friend, and then there are storytellers."

He continued, "You were telling that story like a master, okay? And that is your wheelhouse. I didn't pay attention to a note. I was only listening to the story."

Perry advised him with a bit of constructive criticism, "You have to be a little bit more consistent. Don't overstrain. When you tried to hit some of those notes, your face started looking like a beet."

Despite the mixed reviews, all three judges agreed: They wanted to see more of this particular vocalist, and gave him the golden ticket to the Hollywood round. - Taste Of Country