Jania Ashlynn
The nation’s most beloved televised singing competition has doled out a platinum ticket to one of its talented contestants.
Videos by Rare
As American Idol rolls out its sixth rebooted season, they bring along with them a new award they presented last year. The Platinum Ticket allows the contestant to skip past Hollywood Week, a part of the competition that contestants earn when they are given a golden ticket at their audition.
A Worthy Winner
The lucky recipient of this season’s platinum ticket is 17-year-old Tyson Venegus. The singer is from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He performed “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel.
The teen’s sultry voice reverberated through the audition room as each judge donned a wide smile. When the performance was finished, Venegus received a standing ovation from the judges.
A Stunned Audience
“You sang notes and runs that I haven’t felt in my body in a long time and I felt so connected. I felt alive,” pop icon Katy Perry told Venegus.
Luke Bryant also extended compliments to the young singer. “You are exactly what we look for, what we pray for.”
Lionel Richie was quite stunned by Tyson’s exceptional talent at such a young age. He requests that the singer bring his mother into the audition room. When the pair returns, Lionel comedically confirms that Venegus is the mother’s 17-year-old son.
“He’s claiming to be 17 years old but he’s performing like a 45-year-old. Give me some validation here,” Richie quipped.
Tyson’s mother, Iris, expressed to Lionel that he was Tyson’s inspiration growing up as he learned to be a performer.
The judges instructed Venegus to remove the platinum ticket from its place on the wall and in unison, the congratulated him on his entrance into Hollywood.
Viewers are eagerly anticipating what’s coming next for the young singer.
