Entertainment Music Country Music Watch Brother and Sister Duo Max and Laela Dasher Make American Idol: It's 'Definitely in the DNA' 'American Idol' airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC By Daniela Avila Daniela Avila Daniela Avila is an editorial assistant at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2021. Her work previously appeared on The Poly Post. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 4, 2024 12:15PM EST Laela and Max Dasher. Photo: Disney/Eric McCandless Get ready, American Idol fans! A brother and sister duo are ready to take the singing competition show by storm. On Sunday night's episode of Idol, Max Dasher and Laela Dasher impressed the judges with their country ballad auditions. "Going in front of the judges is kind of surreal," Max said in an interview before his audition. "Luke I want to impress because he's such an icon in country music." Max, 18, was up first — and performed "Rock Salt and Nails." "You have that sparkle," said Katy Perry, who gave him a standing ovation. "There's an undeniable authenticity. It's like a gold rush." Loretta Lynn's Granddaughter Emmy Russell Tears Up as She Wows American Idol Judges with Emotional Audition "See, what I love about you is you just did your audition exactly the way I would have. Freaking out," said Luke Bryan, who adjusted his collar. "Playing the guitar like you were trying to break a string. If we can get you to breathe and calm down and understand that you're pretty damn cool — man you've got a little magic to you." Lionel Richie added, "Your mantra should be I'm 18 and I look like James Dean. You're gonna have to bump up your vocals but remember your attitude comes with it." Once Max received three yeses from the judges, he left the room and was greeted by the rest of his family. Then, Laela entered the room with Max behind her. "You already got your golden ticket get out of here," said Perry, 39. "This is my brother," Laela said, adding that he would play guitar for her while she auditioned. She sang "Angel from Montgomery" by John Prine. "It's definitely in the DNA," said Perry. "Laela, your brother and you have some similarities in delivery. As far as volume goes I was looking for a little bit more. And I'm just torn." Bryan, 47, then asked the siblings to sing together and they judges were impressed. "I don't know what you're going to do next but it's going to be magical," said Richie, 74, who gave Laela a yes. "Max has a little level — a little range on you," Perry said, adding that she was going with "gut" and said no. Former NFL Player Blake Proehl Gives Katy Perry Goosebumps in American Idol Audition — See the Moment! Bryan made the final call — and decided she should move on to the next round: "Well, I think you have a really nice voice — it's not a crazy big voice. I'm not busting ya'll up I'm giving you a yes." During an interview after the auditions, Laela asked her brother if they were going to get "competitive." "There's going to be some tension you're probably going to see on the camera," Max joked. "But we do love each other." Up next, the siblings are headed to Hollywood week. American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Close