Lauren Mink Gives ‘American Idol’ Judge Goosebumps With ‘Country Strong’

It took over an hour, but 'American Idol' judges finally found this season's first country music representative on Wednesday night. Lauren Mink was a favorite of Steven Tyler's from the moment she walked on stage in Savannah, Ga., but after hearing her touching story and listening to her sing 'Country Strong,' he became a front pew believer.

"Goosies!" Jennifer Lopez said after the 25-year-old finished singing the title track from the Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw movie. "Goosies" are goosebumps, for those first-time 'Idol' viewers who may not know.

"So much passion behind the notes, and the notes were so on it was just perfect," Tyler said. Jackson compared her to Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, which the Winchester, Ky. native admitted was her favorite band. Mink's Facebook page also lists Martina McBride, Loretta Lynn and Carrie Underwood as influences.

The only thing more impressive than her pitch-perfect voice was her passion for helping people with special needs. Mink spilled that she is the director of a program for people with intellectual disabilities, adding that basically she gets to play all day long. If she's able to move on to the Top 10 in Hollywood, her inspiring story promises to raise the price of a share of Kleenex.

Watch Lauren Mink Perform 'Country Strong'