Hannah Nicolaisen is no stranger to victory celebrations. But the singer from Montgomery — formerly a standout volleyball player at the University of Illinois Springfield — took home a trophy of a different kind on Sunday’s episode of “American Idol.”

Nicolaisen nabbed a golden ticket to Hollywood from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie for her heartfelt rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” (Watch her performance on the ABC reality series in the video below.)

Nicolaisen’s skillful cover appeared to be a delightful surprise for the celebrity judges; the fledgling singer told them she’s only been “trying to figure out how to play music” for a month or two. Nicolaisen also mentioned her volleyball background, and there was some chatter with the judges about her ability to spike the ball.

That sports image came into play again after Nicolaisen’s performance ended, and the judges offered kudos.

“Well, you just spiked the ball in our face,” Perry said admiringly.

“It’s all about spiking the ball in people’s faces,” Bryan added, making sure Nicolaisen knew it was a compliment.

“I don’t think you’ve sang enough to know what you actually have,“ Perry said. “It’s like you’ve unveiled a pristine vintage car in your garage. And you just need to start the engine, girl.”

“You did everything right to tell that story,” Richie said. “That’s something we can’t teach. Your unique voice is what you pray for in this business.”

“I think some people are born to sing; some people are born to be a star,” Bryan said. “And so now we’ve got to get your brain around it. But you’re definitely born to sing.”

All three judges voted to send Nicolaisen to Hollywood — “It’s an absolute yes from me,” Richie said — and she received her golden ticket, which allows her to move on to the next phase of the competition.

Nicolaisen, who’s originally from Texas, moved to Alabama last year, according to her Instagram page. (She also tells followers there how to pronounce her last name: “Nickel-Ice-Inn.” ) Nicolaisen graduated from college in May 2022 and has been performing in Montgomery venues such as The Tipping Point.

Although Nicolaisen told the “Idol” judges she’s only been playing music for a couple of months, it’s likely the singer meant she’s only been performing in public for that time. She has three YouTube videos that date back to 2018, which show her singing and playing guitar on original songs.

Nicolaisen’s ability to write songs could be helpful during her “Idol” journey, as the series now allows contestants to perform original material. Alabama’s Jess Meuse, for example, did that during her 2014 “Idol” run, playing originals such as “Blue-Eyed Line” and “Done” during Season 13.

Nicolaisen’s next step is acing Hollywood week, a typically grueling part of the competition that features brutal cuts. She’s the first singer from Alabama we’ve seen during the auditions for Season 21, which continue over the next few episodes. (Early episodes of “Idol” are filmed in advance.)

Alabama has a significant history on “American Idol” that includes wins by Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks in 2003 and 2006. The state also has produced two runners-up, Diana DeGarmo (2004) and Bo Bice (2005). More than 20 other contestants from Alabama have been featured during the auditions, Hollywood week and live performances.

Four singers from Alabama were among the contestants last year, and one of them, Kezia “Lady K” Istonia of Tuskegee, made it to the Top 10. Tristen Gressett of Pell City and Cadence Baker of the Shoals went as far as the Top 11 and Top 20, respectively. Tyler Allen of Mobile reached the Top 59, but was cut during Hollywood week during a round called “Showstopper/Final Judgment.”

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