Betty Maxwell, former Miss America from Georgia, advances in 'American Idol' competition

Andrew Shearer Athens Banner-Herald April 04, 2022

Former Miss America and Warner Robins, Ga. native Betty Maxwell sings on the television reality show "American Idol." Maxwell advanced to the showstopper round on Apr. 3, 2022.

Warner Robins native Betty Maxwell (née Cantrell) was crowned Miss Georgia 2015 and Miss America 2016, and she might soon be able to add another accolade to her resume as she advances through the latest season of the ABC network’s long-running “American Idol” series.

Maxwell and newcomer Kelsie Dolan made it through the duets round of “Hollywood Week” with a rendition of pop singer Pink’s “Just Give Me a Reason." The performance which was also Dolan’s stage debut. The duo’s performance garnered praise from celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

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Should Maxwell survive the showstopper round on April 4, she will advance to this season’s top 24 contestants. If Maxwell wins “American Idol,” she will be the second Georgian to do so. Back in 2012, Leesburg native Phillip Phillips won the season 11 competition. Willie Spence, who hails from Douglas, Ga., was the runner-up in the 2021 season.

A singer since age 3, Maxwell grew up on a farm in Fort Valley, Ga. and began entering pageants in 2013. Prior to her Miss Georgia and Miss America wins, Maxwell was crowned Miss Warner Robins in 2015 and now resides in Nashville, Tenn. as a musician. Maxwell’s previous television appearances include the Country Music Association Awards, American Music Awards and The Billboard Music Awards.

“American Idol” airs Sunday and Monday night at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

https://www.onlineathens.com/story/entertainment/2022/04/04/betty-maxwell-former-miss-america-advances-american-idol-warner-robins-georgia/7272120001/