What Does It Mean on Season 22?

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If you need a refresher on the rule change that shook up the singing competition show forever, you may be wondering what a Platinum Ticket is on American Idol and what it means. Long story short, it’s an even better version of the Golden Ticket to Hollywood and gives contestants a very useful advantage.

American Idol is a reality TV singing competition that originally premiered on FOX in 2002 with original judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and hosts Brian Dunkleman and Ryan Seacrest. (Dunkleman exited after Season 1). The series — which produced stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson — aired for 15 seasons and 14 years util its cancellation following season 15 in 2016.

Two years later, American Idol was rebooted by ABC with judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, and returning host Ryan Seacrest. But the judges weren’t the only new part of American Idol. In Season 20, American Idol introduced the Platinum Ticket, a newer and better version of the Golden Ticket to Hollywood that’s been around since the early seasons of the reality TV singing competition show on FOX. But what is the Platinum Ticket on American Idol and what does it mean? Read on for an explanation behind American Idol‘s Platinum Ticket.

What does the Platinum Ticket on American Idol mean?

What does the Platinum Ticket on American Idol mean? The Platinum Ticket was first introduced American Idol‘s judge in Season 20 in 2022 and allowed recipients to advance directly to the second round of Hollywood Week, as well as choose their partners for that week’s duet challenge before the remaining contestants were paired. Compared to a Platinum Ticket, a Gold Ticket to Hollywood only allows a contestant to move onto the first round of Hollywood Week. Only a select few Platinum Tickets” are given out each season. Season 20’s Platinum Tickets were given out to Hunter Girl, Kenedi Anderson, and Jay.

Hunter Girl was the runner-up of Season 20; Anderson withdrew from the competition due to personal reasons in the Top 24; and Jay was eliminated in the Top 7. Season 21’s Platinum Tickets were given out to Cam Amen, Kaylin Hedges, Elijah McCormick, and Tyson Venegas. Of the Platinum Ticket recipients, only McCormick and Venegas made it to the Top 26. McCormick was eliminated in the Top 26, while Venegas was eliminated in the Top 10.

The first Platinum Ticket on American Idol Season 22 was given to Odell Bunton Jr., a 28-year-old airport security judge from Arlington, Texas, who sang Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me” for his first audition in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan Odell is also a father of five to an 11-year-old son, a 5-year-old daughter, a 4-year-old daughter, a 3-year-old daughter, and a 2-year-old son.

“I got here by the grace of God,” Odell told the judges during his audition. “I was 6 years old when I decided I wanted to be a singer. First, I sang songs. Then I started leading songs and leading praise and worship. Shout out to my mom [Donna], she sat us down and taught us how to sing at the same time.”

Though he knew he wanted to pursue a music career since he was 13 years old, Odell explained that he decided to take a break from his dreams after his first child was born. “I wanted to focus in on being the best father I could be,” he said. “My kids are definitely the most important thing in my life. The second most important thing is providing a great future for them. Currently, I work the overnight shift at the [Dallas International] airport. It has not been easy trying to provide for five. It’s been a struggle.”

He also revealed that he and his wife, Shantiqua, were currently living in a hotel. “I never thought I would be in a situation like this,” he said. “Holding my head up, keeping it up, has been one of the toughest things I have ever experienced in my life. It’s one of the toughest things to learn. You know what? ‘Your kids are with you. Just get them out of here because they deserve it.’ They’re amazing kids.”

After his performance, Lionel went over to Odell and commended him on his talent. He said, “You have what we call p-o-tential. Potential son. I was not expecting all of that from the security chief. But that was real old school.” Katy added, “I would say that you’re the best soul singer that we have this season.”

Luke continued, “Yes you are. I wrote incredible. It was one of those things where I had a chill hit my rib cage and then you hit another one and my leg went numb. I don’t know where you’ve been doing this and why you’re 28… I hosted the CMA Awards and Jelly Roll stood up there at 39 and he won Best New Artist. It’s never too late. You’re a great singer.”

Odell got three yesses from the judges and received a Gold Ticket to Hollywood. A week later, at WFAA in Dallas, Odell and his family were on the news to talk about his American Idol audition. Luke, Katy, and Lionel then cut in via satellite and told him that he received one of three Platinum Tickets that season.

“We loved your audition. We gave you a Gold Ticket to get you to Hollywood, but we loved your audition so much, we decided to give you an upgrade. This year, we’re giving out three Platinum Tickets and you get one of the three Platinum Tickets. You earned it. Celebrate with your family. We love you,” Luke said. Odell responded, “I don’t have the words right now. I’ve been working really hard.”

American Idol is available to stream on Hulu.

For more on American Idol, check out our gallery on who the judges are dating and married to in real life below

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