Carnie Wilson Defends Daughter Lola’s American Idol Audition

Carnie Wilson is standing by her daughter Lola.

Carnie and her Wilson Phillips bandmates took the stage for the “Music of the 90s” panel on March 30 on the Connecticut Conference Middle in Hartford, Conn., moderated by PEOPLE’s Breanne L. Heldman. They have been joined by Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean. The evening earlier than, the ladies of Wilson Phillips — Carnie, Chynna Phillips Baldwin, and Carnie’s sister Wendy Wilson — carried out on the occasion’s afterparty. 

On the Sunday, March 23 episode of American Idol, the Wilson sisters joined Carnie’s daughter Lola Bonfiglio, 19, for her audition in entrance of Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie. The household efficiency of the group’s 1992 basic “Maintain On” included Lola’s father Rob Bonfiglio on guitar. 

Throughout Sunday’s panel, Carnie stated Lola’s audition was the “scariest factor she has ever finished.” She famous of her daughter, “She was trembling with nerves.”

“She did nice. I’m so happy with her,” Carnie, 56, stated. “And so they requested us to sing, so we got here and crashed the occasion.” She stated that she didn’t assume the judges knew they have been going to be there. Of her daughter, she added, “We love singing along with her, and she or he sings with us on tour generally. She’s a extremely inspiring artist.”

However then Carnie turned her consideration to the much less nice side of getting her daughter carry out on the fact present. “We’re human, and the Web is so merciless, and the feedback are actually pissing me off, and I can’t reply.”

“Would you encourage a health care provider’s son to not be a health care provider?” she requested. “Lola desires to be a singer, they usually say these horrible issues. And he or she was so harm.” 

Phillips Baldwin, 57, stated she did see some extra optimistic feedback, however Carnie stated that the “majority” have been detrimental. She stated she wished individuals to “perceive” that it’s not all “comfortable glitter issues,” however “actual individuals with actual hearts and souls.”

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“I encourage her to do it as a result of she likes to sing,” Carnie stated. “However I’m so happy with her that she was even courageous sufficient to audition. She sounds so stunning. I’m so excited for her future. She has a surprising voice.”

McLean, 47, talked about that his bandmate Brian Littrell’s son Baylee can also be competing on American Idol this season. “That is conflicting,” he joked and promised he would vote for Lola and Baylee each. 

On American Idol, Lola additionally sang “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves solo for her most important audition. Within the background, Carnie will be seen tightly clutching her tissues and wiping away tears. After receiving some suggestions from the judges, they unanimously voted to ship her to Hollywood. 

All three members of Wilson Phillips come from musical households. Carnie and Wendy are the kids of the Seashore Boys’ Brian Wilson and the Honeys’ Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, whereas Phillips Baldwin’s dad and mom are the Mamas & the Papas’ John and Michelle Phillips. 

90s Con is operating by way of Sunday, March 30, on the Connecticut Conference Middle in Hartford.