Berklee student Grace Kinstler wows judges during 'American Idol' finale
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Updated: 6:08 AM EDT May 24, 2021
American Idol/ABC
SOURCE: American Idol/ABC
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Updated: 6:08 AM EDT May 24, 2021
A Berklee College student has plenty to be proud of after competing Sunday night in the “American Idol” finale. Grace Kinstler, 20, a Chicago native, impressed the judges and fans throughout the season with her poise and booming voice. She made it into the top three before her run came to an end.Kinstler’s lyric writing professor at Berklee said her voice has a maturity and emotional connection rarely found in someone so young. In addition to the other competitors, Kinstler had to overcome the pandemic and her father's death this year.“From the get-go, once I heard Grace’s voice, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. That is quite an amazing instrument that you have,’” Berklee College of Music Professor Susan Cattaneo said. “She’s a great song writer, too. Her determination, her focus, her energy, it really was something quite amazing to see under all of that terrible kind of stress.”Chase Beckham was the season's big winner and Willie Spence was the runner-up. Kinstler was not the only contestant with Berklee ties to compete on this season of "American Idol." Other current or graduated students included Anilee List, Brennan Helper aka Beane, Amanda Mena and Da'Dreion Murrell.