New York native Laila Mach hopes to become the next 'American Idol'

NEW PALTZ, New York (WABC) -- A talented teenager from New Paltz has a chance to be the next "American Idol."

Laila Mach not only sings, but she also plays guitar and the piano.

She sings, plays the guitar and piano -- and she took a risk during her audition with an original song -- will it pay off?

She chose to sing an original composition for her big audition.

"I was nervous to do an original, I originally wasn't going to, but it was more of a last-minute thing where I was like, you know what, maybe I should just try," Mach said. "I would rather go in there and take a risk than go in there and play it safe."

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Mach said she thinks it was one of her best performances that she has ever done in her life and she may have been right, because she earned a golden ticket through to the next round.

"You're exactly what it takes to be in this competition and go far," judge Katy Perry told her.

Lionel Richie said she had magic in her pen and in her voice:

WATCH | Laila Mach's 'American Idol' audition:

Don't miss "American Idol" on Sundays at 8 p.m. on ABC7.

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