Aspiring country singer Ann Difani sang the Faith Hill song 'Stronger' at the San Antonio auditions for the twelfth season of 'American Idol' Wednesday night (Jan. 30),  winning her way to the next round in Hollywood with a clean, restrained interpretation that owed much to Hill's original.

The 23-year-old singer was crowned Miss University of Arkansas in 2008, but country music is her true passion. Her husband Jordan nominated her for the show, unbeknownst to her. Randy Jackson surprised her with a ticket to the auditions in San Antonio, and Difani did not disappoint, auditioning with a pretty, vocally unadorned rendition of the song that kept the focus on her ability to sing a straight melody without a lot of unnecessary vocal embellishment.

"Pretty tone," Keith Urban said. "A lot of Faith in there."

Mariah Carey said Difani is lucky to already know what her strengths are. "It's nice to have an anchor," she told the singer.

"I think it's kinda cute that your husband nominated you, and he believes in you," Nicki Minaj said. "And you are ready to have months away from him?"

Difani didn't hesitate. "Absolutely," she replied. All four judges voted her through to the next round in Hollywood.

Watch Ann Difani Sing 'Stronger' by Faith Hill

Ann Difani, Auditions San Antonio ~ American... by HumanSlinky

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