Twin brothers Julian and Milo Sposato earned a quick ticket to Hollywood on Sunday’s episode of “American Idol” with a jazzy take on Bruno Mars.
ABC’s new incarnation of the singing competition allows contestants to audition with instruments, and the Sposato brothers basically came through as a full band, carrying a saxophone and trumpet. With their father accompanying them on guitar, the 17-year-olds from Malibu traded off singing lead on Mars’ “Runaway Baby.”
Even though judge Katy Perry made it clear the duo would be evaluated as individuals, she and the panel didn’t seem to have much to say but across-the-board praise.
Perry hailed the performance as “dope” and country singer Luke Bryan called them “amazingly interesting.” Ritchie noted the brothers’ clear experience performing as a band and a duo, adding that he was looking forward to “mess[ing] the equation up.”
Watch the full performance above. “American Idol” airs Sundays and Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.