'American Idol' Hopeful Lands Rare Platinum Ticket & Standing Ovation In Tearful Performance Of 'Hallelujah'

Mar 27, 2023

Season after season, “American Idol” gives viewers new delights and surprises, and the show’s 21st season is no exception, as singers from all over the country flocked to the auditions to showcase how they can be the next singing sensation.

“American Idol” was responsible for catapulting artists to greater heights. Take, for example, previous winners like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, Candice Glover, David Cook and Jordin Sparks, among many others, whose lives changed after winning or simply appearing in the cutthroat singing competition. 

On “American Idol,” selected contestants who advance from the audition round — having won a so-called golden ticket — have to be filtered out during Hollywood Week. However, in very rare instances, some lucky contestants can win a platinum ticket, which offers them the chance to bypass the first round of Hollywood Week.

One of the contestants in season 21 blew away the judges and impressed them so much he not only got a standing ovation, but he also managed to nab a platinum ticket. What's more, 27-year-old Cam Amen's personal story is one of sacrifice, which makes his success even more deserving.

Before he sang Leonard Cohen's emotional ballad "Hallelujah," Amen told the judges about his tough upbringing.

"It was a bit rough growing up in foster care, we all got taken away from our mom," he said, visibly emotional. "We were in foster care a long time. I did leave at 18 and took in my brother and sister. I knew I had to raise them right and get 'em through high school."

Amen described the heartbreaking day he and his brother were taken out of their classroom at school by police, as they waited for their mother who never came. Despite being separated in the foster care system, Amen knew that once he was out, he had to do what he could for his siblings, so he became their primary caregiver for five years.

The budding singer told host Ryan Seacrest his siblings were now 21 and 20, and now out in the world on their own. Seacrest told Amen: "You did your job, you did it well. Now it's your time."

Holding back tears, Amen began singing "Hallelujah," which judge Luke Bryan called "a great song choice." From the moment Amen sang the first words, it was evident he had an incredible, natural talent. Bryan wiped away tears during the performance, and he and his fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, all gave him a standing ovation.

Amen let out the strong emotions he was feeling through tears, as all three judges came up to him and each hugged him.

"You've been through a lot, but the rest of your life is waiting on you. You hear me? God bless you man, God bless you," Richie told Amen.

The judges brought Amen's girlfriend into the room before they announced he was the lucky recipient of a platinum ticket, which takes him all the way to Hollywood with a slight advantage over the average "American Idol" contestant.

Amen later shared clips of his audition to his Instagram and wrote:

"I could not be more excited to begin this adventure with y’all."

We're sure Cam Amen has a huge career ahead of him! What did you think of Amen's emotional audition? Do you think his performance lived up to the power of the song he chose? Let us know — and pass this on to any music fans in your life so they can witness this tear-jerking cover!