Paterson resident Wé, formerly known as Wé McDonald, is on her way on 'American Idol'

Where there's a will, there's a Wé.

And few people have more will than Wé Ani — the artist formerly known as Wé McDonald — who catapulted to "American Idol's" Top 24 last Sunday for her soulful, warm-cello rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way." What will happen this week?

"That's a song right there, boy," said judge Lionel Richie to his two colleagues, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, last Sunday.

"I've always thought trying to cut a good singer is difficult," Richie said. "Trying to cut a great singer, that's impossible." Ani, he pronounced, would be going on to the next leg of the competition, which reaches its climax in late May.

She's climbed this mountain before.

When she was just 17, the Paterson resident and Harlem native slayed 'em on "The Voice," finishing third in the fall of 2016. Now, seven years later, here she is again.

"Honestly, it's actually insane for me to be back on another national broadcasting stage," Ani said. "It feels fantastic to be able to connect with everybody again, and I get to perform every week which is amazing, and there are so many moments that we're going to be able to experience together again."

This, said her father, Dr. Varleton "Mac" McDonald, is a chance for Ani to re-introduce herself to those who didn't catch her the first time around.

Reality TV: Two NJ writers seeking contestants for 'America's Next Great Author' reality TV show

Opportunity knocks

"It's a great opportunity for her to see how her talents match up with some of the best young talent that's out there," he said. "We always felt she was talented, but she hasn't had the exposure to warrant the success she's looking for. With this exposure, we're looking toward the next level."

Since her "Voice" appearance, she's released singles ("Heads Up High," "White Chocolate") and written a children's book, "The Little Girl with the Big Voice." She's studied jazz at William Paterson University in Wayne, attended Harlem School of the Arts, and performed in celebrated New York venues like Joe's Pub.

She's become a different person from the little girl who wowed them back in 2016. Which is why, as of July 2022, she's used a different stage name (her middle one, as a matter of fact).

"She wanted to have a new perspective, from what people saw back then," her father said. "She was Wé McDonald when she was a young kid. But she felt that this version of her is a little bit more experienced and mature."

"American Idol" is the Mount Everest of talent shows, the one that inspired all the others. Will Wé make it all the way to the top? Tune in Sunday to see the latest chapter.

"It feels like I've been so disconnected, and now I'm going to be able to show not just my ability to sing but I get to show my artistry, which is something that 'American Idol' does really, really well," Ani said. "I can't wait for that."

"American Idol" airs 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday on ABC. It can also be streamed on Hulu.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Wé Ani of Paterson NJ going for the gold on 'American Idol'