Tue Apr 01 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## American Idol Judge Lionel Richie Leaps from Seat, Awards Platinum Ticket After Stunning Audition
**LOS ANGELES, CA** – Seventeen-year-old Canaan James Hill from Dallas, Texas, captivated the American Idol judges Sunday night with a breathtaking performance of Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory.” Hill, who graduated high school early and is pursuing preaching, delivered a powerful rendition that moved judge Lionel Richie to spontaneously leap from his seat, dance, and approach the stage to express his awe.
Fellow judges Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood were equally impressed, with Bryan exclaiming in amazement and Underwood admitting to being speechless. Richie described the performance as “powerful” and “spectacular,” noting he had to move his seat back to fully appreciate the vocal display.
The unanimous approval resulted in Richie awarding Hill a coveted Platinum Ticket, bypassing the first round of Hollywood Week, which begins Monday. The Platinum Ticket, one of only three awarded, grants Hill a direct path to the next stage of the competition.
First Piper 