Moms and Dads

Carnie Wilson’s Support for Daughter Lola Bonfiglio On American Idol Shows Their Closeness

by Alexa Villano
March 24, 2025

Carnie Wilson and her sister Wendy lend support as Lola auditions on the show alongside her dad Rob Bonfiglio

Children of celebrities have a lot of expectations especially when they follow their parents in their footsteps. While some parents are worried and hesitant about their kids getting into showbiz, Carnie Wilson is all out to support her daughter Lola Bonfiglio, who auditioned for American Idol.

During the auditions, Lola was accompanied by her dad Rob Bonfiglio on guitar. When Carrie Underwood sensed she comes from a musical family, Lola ushers in her mom and aunt Wendy, to the surprise of the judges.

Lola explained her family lineage and they launched into a few bars of “Hold On,” one of Wilson Philips’ classic hits. Carnie and Wendy are two of the members, the other being Chynna Philips.

Carnie’s one proud mom

Carnie and Rob beamed with pride as they listened to Lola sing “Rainbow” by Kacey Musgraves.

In an interview on Entertainment Tonight, Carnie recalled her pregnancy with Lola, admitting to Kevin Frazier that she and Rob prayed that their child would not be tone-deaf.

When asked what her initial reaction was about Lola auditioning for American Idol, Carnie said it was an opportunity for Lola to grow.

“ I thought it was perfect. The one thing I do love about American Idol is that they give all sorts of people different genres, different styles the chance,” she said. “Lola is not this [Broadway] type of singer but she’s got this honesty and pure and lovely sort of Joni Mitchell, Kacey Musgrave type [vibe]. That’s how I would compare it.”

She mentioned that Lola is now doing songwriting and immersing herself in her artistry.

“ I said Lola when you do this, be grateful for the opportunity and you are going to find yourself as an artist through this process. So I could not be more excited for her.”

Seeing her daughter during the process she said was of pride. “ I respect her for following her dream. It’s not forced, this is her calling, her true passion and her soul shines through when she sings.”

The Third Generation of Wilsons

Carnie shared that Lola has been joining the family in some performances and sometimes, she’s amazed at her daughter’s voice.

“ If I look at her too long, I’m like wait a minute, this is my daughter. I’m singing with her! And it’s like [the] third generation!”

Aside from Carnie and Wendy, Lola is the granddaughter of Brian Wilson, a member of the group The Beach Boys whose hits include “Surfin USA,” “Kokomo,” and “Fun,Fun,Fun.”

Lola is heading to Hollywood

Carnie could not be more proud when Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Ritchie gave Lola all a yes, confirming she was heading to Hollywood.

“ I couldn’t be more proud of our @lola.bonfiglio Her pure beautiful voice shines so bright!!!!! To witness your child be brave like that and sing from her heart…and have three incredible artists tell her that her voice is pure and gorgeous …shows us that her love for singing is what it’s all about,” she wrote on Instagram, Monday, Manila time.

Carnie Wilson and her sister Wendy lend support as Lola auditions on the show alongside her dad Rob Bonfiglio — Photo from carnie68

Lola also shared the exciting news that she’s heading for the next round of the show. “ And the journey begins. So beyond excited to share this adventure with you all. Thank you for your kind words and support.”

Lola is the latest aspirant whose parents are known in the music scene. Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell is also one of those who passed the auditions and will have a chance to move to the next round.

Filipino-American Mikaela Bautista is also heading to Hollywood, hoping to follow other aspirants before her to sing on stage.