Anilee was only four years old when she began performing. At the age of seven, she started developing facial and motor tics. At 10 years old Anilee was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. For her audition, For her season 19 American Idol audition, Anilee performed Blue by Aaron Taylor. After the performance judge Luke Bryan said, ”I have like six waves of chill bumps.” Judge Katy Perry added, “That was one of the most technically-perfect vocals I think we’ve ever gotten here on ‘American Idol.'” After receiving yes votes from all three judges, Anilee left the audition room to discover one more surprise. Season 10 Idol winner James Durbin, who inspired Anilee to audition, appeared via video conference to cheer her on and give her some words of encouragement saying, “Now is your chance to show the next generation what you’ve been diagnosed with is not something that defines you, it’s something you defy,”