Lucas Leon Brings Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Classic to Life on ‘American Idol’ With Standout 90s Night Performance

18-year-old Lucas Leon wasn’t even alive in 1997 when Tim McGraw and Faith Hill released “It’s Your Love,” but he delivered a performance that made it feel like he lived every word during American Idol’s 90s Judges Song Contest episode on Monday.

For the round, the judges each picked a song for Leon to choose from, including “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Toby Keith, and “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” by Dwight Yoakam. While he originally planned to sing “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” he ultimately decided to go with “It’s Your Love.”

Taking the stage with his guitar in hand, the Gallatin, Tennessee native showcased a raspier side of his voice while fully leaning into the emotional lyrics. The crowd could be seen nodding along, while fellow contestants, including Hannah Harper, sang from their seats.

Leon correctly guessed that Lionel Richie had selected the song for him, with Richie saying, “Your voice with that song, resonated to the point of believability. I love what you did.”

Carrie Underwood also admitted Leon “surprised” her with his choice, adding that she had a “hard time” deciding which song to pick for him. She shared, “It felt believable, it felt genuine, I liked your voice on it.”

Luke Bryan was equally impressed, saying, “I’m so glad you picked that. The last two times we’ve seen you perform, you really grew into a more artistic mindset. You’re working the room and it’s really working for you.”

Leon’s performance even caught the attention of “It’s Your Love” songwriter Stephony Smith, who praised him on Instagram and encouraged Tim McGraw to check it out.

“@lionelrichie thanks for choosing my song for @lucasleonofficial to sing! It means the world to me. @thetimmcgraw check out this young gun killing his version of your version of “It’s Your Love” on @americanidol wow,” she wrote.

Lucas Leon has been a standout from the start. He began the competition at just 17 years old and impressed with each performance, including covers of “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles, “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert, and “Just To See You Smile” by Tim McGraw. 

American Idol returns next Monday, April 13, as the Top 11 take on iconic hits from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees while America votes live to determine the Top 9. The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees will also be revealed during the episode.