Filipino-Canadian high school student Tyson Venegas stunned the judges of American Idol with his rendition of Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind” and earned the first platinum ticket of the talent show’s current season.
The 17-year-old Venegas impressed all three superstar judges – Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie – during the talent competition’s audition rounds in Las Vegas.
“You are exactly what we look for and what we pray for,” country singer Luke Bryan said about Venegas’ audition.
Singer-songwriter Lionel Richie expressed disbelief over Venegas’ young age and powerful voice.
“He’s claiming to be seventeen years old, but he’s performing like a 45-year-old!” Lionel Richie remarked.
Venegas grew up idolizing Lionel Richie and even went to one of his concerts when he was young. Richie then remarked that Venegas had now inspired him.
“Well, we flip[ped] the switch now. I inspired him back then and he just inspired us today…that performance was spot-on professional,” Richie added.
Pop star Katy Perry also sang her praises for Venegas’ impressive audition.
“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,” Katy Perry said.
Venegas’ performance in the auditions helped him earn the platinum ticket, which will allow him to skip the first round of performances during Hollywood Week.
The former “The Voice Teens Philippines” contestant became the first recipient of the coveted ticket which is given only to those who stand out in their auditions.
Venegas grew up in Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. He competed in the second season of “The Voice Teens Philippines” when he was 14 years old.
The teenage singer is now headed to Hollywood to compete in the American talent competition.
“I hit the jackpot! I got the first #PlatinumTicket of the season and I’m heading to Hollywood!” Tyson Venegas shared in an Instagram post on February 20, 2023.
Filipinos who made their mark on international talent competitions include American Idol finalist Francisco Martin and Filipina bar singer Janice Buco a.k.a. Janice Phuong, the first non-Vietnamese to win the Vietnam Idol.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS to Filipino-Canadian high school student Tyson Venegas for winning the first platinum ticket of American Idol and WATCH his audition here!
Former "The Voice Teens Philippines" contestant Tyson Venegas earns the FIRST Platinum Ticket of American Idol Season 21. @GoodNewsPinas_
Tyson Venegas – The BEST "New York State Of Mind" Audition Cover – Ameri… https://t.co/6cOxaS7Hu2 via @YouTube
— Margo Hannah (@MargoQuadra) February 25, 2023
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