Singer Lauren Engle moves the American Idol judges with an emotional audition for her late husband in this inspirational music video. And as Laura shares her heartbreaking loss story, you can’t help but admire her bravery in pursuing her dreams.

Lauren Engle is a 27-year-old actress. It only took a fraction of a second for her to become a young widow.

Lauren and her husband, Garrett, met at a Halloween party seven years ago. The two married in 2014 and began their “happily ever after.” A terrible tragedy changed everything just one year before Laura’s American Idol audition.

Lauren and Garrett were driving home from dinner when a car ran a red light and rear-ended them.

“We just had a really fun night out, and then I woke up in the hospital,” Laura explained.

Laura was unharmed in the accident. Garrett, on the other hand, did not. Laura was completely taken aback by the loss.

“I never imagined I’d be a widow at the age of 27.”

Widow is Inspired by Husband’s Memory To Continue
Garrett was always the one who encouraged Lauren to sing and share her talent with the rest of the world. Garrett, despite his absence, continues to inspire Laura to pursue her dreams.

“There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what,” Laura said. “And I’m still looking for it every day.”

She is now fulfilling her late husband’s wishes by auditioning for American Idol.

For the audition, Laura Engle chose an original song titled ‘Compass.’ Laura wrote the song for Garret and it follows their journey together as a couple. And as an extra special tough, Garrett’s brother plays the guitar to accompany Laura as she sings the emotional lyrics.

Laura’s heartfelt performance really struck a note with all of the judges.

“I felt the emotion and I felt the pain,” judge Katy Perry said. “And I can’t imagine singing that or writing that or even going through any of what you’ve been through.”

Laura Engle’s strength through tragedy is truly inspiring. And with the judges sending her through to Hollywood, there’s no doubt she has an incredible journey ahead of her with Garrett in her heart the whole way.