It’s difficult not to tear up when watching this video. The lyrics to ‘Like My Father’ tell a story of a girl who has observed how her father has treated her mother. In this case, he’s done all the right things to love well.
“I need a man who’s patient and kind
Gets out of the car and holds the door
I wanna slow dance in the living room like
We’re 18 at senior prom and grow
Old with someone who makes me feel young
I need a man who loves me like
My father loves my mom”
Cara Hendriks’s unique voice glides over and under each note in this storytelling song. Her sweet whistle-raspy high notes are effortless.
The judges listen intently to Cara sing, and at the near end of her performance, two judges mime to each other and eventually turn their chairs.
Cara is obviously pleased; she smiles through her words and elegantly finishes the song. The audience erupts in applause, and Cara’s family rejoices backstage.
When the judges ask Cara about her inspiration for the song choice, she acknowledges her own father and how he has loved her mother. She says she wants to be with a man like him one day. The audience “aws,” and the judges tell her she is a wise old soul.
Cara’s gorgeous and one-of-a-kind voice is a breath of fresh air, but her sentiments for her parents are even rarer. Best of luck to this sweet teen and her career.