Vancouver teen wins Platinum Ticket in American Idol premiere

17-year-old boy performing on American Idol — Tyson Venegas, a 17-year-old from Vancouver, performed Billy Joel's “New York State of Mind," at the American Idol season premiere on Sunday. (Fremantle North America / 19 Entertainment - ABC / CityTV Image)

Posted February 20, 2023 11:25 am.

Last Updated February 20, 2023 4:26 pm.

A teen from Vancouver is making his mark in this season’s American Idol competition.

The show’s current season premiered on Sunday night, and 17-year-old Tyson Venegas’ performance has already gained the attention of the judges and fans alike.

Venegas sang and played the piano during his performance of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” where judge Katy Perry is seen leaning over to Lionel Richie and pointing out the goosebumps on her arms.

During the song, Richie is heard exclaiming, “I love this boy.”

Tyson Venegas, a 17-year-old from Vancouver, performed Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” at the American Idol season premiere on Sunday. (Photo courtesy Citytv)

If the trio’s reactions during the performance weren’t any indication of their enthusiasm, it was later confirmed by giving him the season’s first Platinum Ticket.

I hit the jackpot! I got the first #PlatinumTicket of the season and I’m heading to Hollywood! Thanks so much @katyperry, @lukebryan and @LionelRichie! #AmericanIdol #TysonVenegas pic.twitter.com/lUFeepb6yT

— Tyson Venegas (@tysonvenegas) February 20, 2023

“There’s the Golden Ticket, then there’s the Platinum Ticket,” Richie said. “The Platinum Ticket means you can actually coast through one whole day of Hollywood week.”

“Wow, what?” Venegas said.

Venegas posted his excitement on Instagram shortly after the premiere, saying, “I hit the jackpot! I got the first #PlatinumTicket of the season and I’m heading to Hollywood! Thanks so much @KatyPerry, @LukeBryan and @LionelRichie! #AmericanIdol #TysonVenegas,” he said.

Fun Fact: @tysonvenegas told his mom at a @LionelRichie concert, “When I grow up, I wanna do that.” #IDOLpremiere pic.twitter.com/p60JCf8sh5

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) February 20, 2023

“Let me tell you, that performance was spot-on professional,” Richie said.

“You are exactly what we look for, what we pray for,” judge Luke Bryan added.

The official account for American Idol also took to Instagram to share the news, using a pun on Joel’s song title and saying, “We’re in a new IDOL state of mind after @tysonvenegas’ audition!”

Fans are also voicing their praise of his performance, with one already claiming him to be “The winner of American Idol 2023.”