Country singer Janelle Arthur made it one step closer to her dream of music stardom on 'American Idol' on Thursday night (Feb. 14), progressing into the Top 40 contestants by singing the Randy Travis classic 'I Told You So.'

The 22-year-old singer has emerged as a country frontrunner so far this season. She made a strong impression at her audition in Charlotte, singing Keith Urban‘s ‘Where the Blacktop Ends.’ Nicki Minaj told her, ”I think you are really, really special, and you already seem like a star.”

Arthur also turned in a stellar version of the the Hank Williams classic ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry' on Wednesday night (Feb. 13) in the first round of Hollywood Week. The singer made it through one more round on Thursday with a strong, polished version of the Travis hit, which former 'Idol' winner Carrie Underwood has also covered.

Minaj has been a fan from day one, and she praised Arthur once again for her poised, understated performance. "I love that you always keep it subtle," she said. "I think that you are a superstar -- a country superstar."

Perhaps the third time will be the charm for Arthur. She made it to Hollywood Week in 2010, and last year she made it to the Las Vegas rounds before being cut. This year she has made it to the Top 40 finalists who will compete for the final crown.

 

 

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