The high stakes singing competition American Idol, which features aspiring singers vying for a shot at stardom, recently awarded its first platinum ticket of season 22 to contestant Odell Bunton.
Fans are now curious about the significance of this coveted item.
According to Distractify, platinum tickets were introduced in season 20 and are given to standout contestants based on their audition.
The judges, which include legendary singers Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, choose contestants to receive golden tickets, which allow them to move on to the Hollywood audition rounds.
However, those who receive a platinum ticket move further in the competition and skip the first Hollywood round, providing them with a significant advantage.
During a Television Critics Association (TCA) Winter Press Tour panel, Perry and Richie discussed the unique advantages of the platinum tickets, emphasizing that they give the recipients the chance to rest, strategize, and scope out the competition from a boxed seat while also getting to select whom they want to duet with.
According to Perry, these talented singers represent the “cream of the crop,” which earns them this special privilege.
Each season, three platinum tickets are awarded, and this season, Odell Bunton was the first to receive one, as per MassLive.
The emotional moment was captured during a local TV news broadcast and left the 28-year-old contestant tearfully expressing his gratitude for the incredible opportunity.
American Idol season 22 premiered on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST on ABC, with new episodes continuing to air on Sundays throughout the season.
For those who prefer streaming, the show can also be accessed on Hulu. As the competition unfolds, fans eagerly await to see how the recipients of these coveted platinum tickets will fare in pursuit of their dream of becoming the next American Idol.
