Hoosier Cam Amen received a standing ovation and hugs from the judges after his emotional rendition of 'Hallelujah' during his American Idol audition.
The 27-year-old was one of two singers from central Indiana who moved forward at the American Idol auditions on Sunday.
Amen, who was born in Anderson, shared his story of growing up in and out of foster care before wowing the judges with his singing.
"I just remember being taken out of my classroom by police officers," he said during his audition recording. "We were crying and waiting for mom. She never came."
Amen said as soon as he turned 18 he took in his brother and sister so he could help raise them. His siblings are 20 and 21 now.
All three judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, gave Amen a standing ovation before awarding him the coveted Platinum ticket.
"I don't have anyone I've seen in this chair to compare you to," Bryan told Amen.
But Amen wasn't the only Indiana native making a name for herself on Sunday, Mikenley Brown, 17, also moved forward, landing her ticket to Hollywood and the next round of auditions.
Brown, from New Castle, also caught the judges attention with her unique style. She was accompanied by her father.
Although Amen gets to skip the first round in Hollywood you can watch Brown as Hollywood week starts off next Sunday & Monday, April 2 & 3 on ABC.
-
Putin claims Russia attacked Ukraine with a new missile that the West can't stop
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims Russia attacked Ukraine with a new missile that the West can't stop.
Man sentenced to 20 years in prison after shaking infant son to death in 2021
An Indianapolis father will spend over 20 years in prison after telling detectives “I lost my cool” when prosecutors say he caused the shaken-baby death of his 4-month-old son.
Medicare says scammers are targeting Americans amid open enrollment period
If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, be weary. Officials say it could be a scam.
11 indicted in connection to meth trafficking operation in Indianapolis
Eleven people are being federally charged in connection to a meth trafficking operation in Indianapolis. This comes after a series of DEA led raids took place on Wednesday.
