Lola Bonfiglio Brings Wilson Phillips Members to ‘American Idol’ Audition

For the second time during season 23 of “American Idol,” a singer is auditioning for judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood with a famous parent waiting in the wings.

On the episode airing on March 23, 2025, Lola Bonfiglio will try to earn a golden ticket to Hollywood — mere miles from where she grew up as the eldest daughter of former Wilson Phillips songstress Carnie Wilson and her musician husband, Rob Bonfiglio. Both parents accompanied the 19-year-old to her “Idol” audition, as did her famous aunt, Wendy Wilson, who was also part of 90s supergroup Wilson Phillips. Chynna Phillips rounds out the Grammy-nominated trio.

But Bonfiglio isn’t the only “Idol” hopeful with a celebrity relative to audition for season 23. During the March 9 season premiere, Baylee Littrell earned a golden ticket with his dad, Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, right there with him.

Carnie Wilson Says ‘American Idol’ Was ‘Perfect’ Next Step for Daughter’s Musical Career

On the March 23 episode, Bonfiglio’s mom, dad, and aunt will appear during her audition. “Entertainment Tonight” aired a clip on March 21 of them singing the Wilson Phillips hit “Hold On” together in front of the judges — 35 years after the song was a smash hit.

Carnie Wilson told the outlet that she was totally on board with her daughter auditioning for “Idol,” calling it a “perfect” choice because the show highlights singers from different genres and styles.

“Lola is not this big Broadway-type singer, but she’s got something so honest and pure and lovely — sort of like this Joni Mitchell, Kacey Musgraves type of thing,” the proud mom explained. “That’s how I compare it.”

“And she’s writing songs now, she’s really getting into her artistry,” Wilson continued. “And I said, ‘Lola, when you do this, just be grateful for the opportunity, A. And B, I think you’re gonna find yourself as an artist through this process. So I could not be more excited for her.”

Seeing her daughter audition for “Idol,” she told ET, “I can’t describe the feeling. Just, the pride — I respect her for following her dream. This is not a forced thing, this is truly her calling, her passion, and her soul shines through when she sings.”

Lola Bonfiglio Has Appeared on Multiple TV Shows With Her Mom & Wilson Phillips

Bonfiglio’s time on “Idol” won’t be her first reality show appearance, though. The singer was on FOX’s “We Are Family” in January 2024, with the judges trying to guess her famous relative. Upon the big reveal, she and her mom sang a duet of “California Dreamin’,” the 1965 hit by The Mamas & The Papas.

Throughout her teens, Bonfiglio performed many times with her famous family, including on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in June 2021. She got to perform the Beach Boys’ hit song “God Only Knows” with her mom, aunt and Clarkson — the original “Idol” winner.

Afterwards, she told Clarkson, “It feels amazing. It’s so special to me. I try not to look directly in (my mom’s) eyes — bring out the tissues!”

“American Idol” season 23 airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wilson Phillips, meanwhile, continues to perform periodically, with plans to appear at 90s Con in late March.