American Idol: Elijah McCormick Wins America’s Platinum Ticket

American Idol season 21 features the first-ever America’s Platinum Ticket, and the winner of this coveted prize is North Carolina resident Elijah McCormick, who auditioned in Nashville. The vote for the American Idol season 21 America’s Platinum Ticket occurred during the American Music Awards, which aired on November 20. Fans had 24 hours to vote for their favorite of three contestants to earn a platinum ticket.

In an Instagram post, American Idol announced that Elijah had won America’s platinum ticket, posting his picture and a video of him accepting it. The caption read, “Congratulations to America’s Platinum Ticket WINNER @musicbyelijahmc! Follow his entire journey when #AmericanIdol premieres Feb. 19 on ABC!” Elijah, who is from Pinecrest, North Carolina, sang a soulful rendition of “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts for his audition. He competed against Matt Wilson, who sang “For Tonight” by Giveon, and Haven Madison, who sang “Arcade” by Duncan Laurence. All three singers have made it to at least Hollywood Week for American Idol season 21.

Related: Which All-New American Idol Contestants Were Showcased At The AMA’s

American Idol’s Elijah McCormick Thanks Fans For Voting For Him

Elijah shared his own Instagram post, in which he thanked his fans for voting for him as the winner of the American Idol America’s Platinum Ticket. He wrote, “Thank you so much America for your platinum ticket!! I won’t let you guys down. Remember to tune in February 19th to see how I did HollyWood week. let’s GrOw!!” He also included the same video that American Idol posted, in which he holds the platinum ticket and says, “Hey America! It’s Elijah McCormick, and I just want to thank you for making me the first-ever America’s Platinum Ticket award winner. And I will see you on the new season of American Idol. Thank you!” Elijah’s road to the platinum ticket has been difficult. According to The Pilot, in 2019, right after his high school graduation, he had planned to audition for American Idol. However, he was seriously injured in a head-on vehicle collision, after which he was placed on dialysis, had a feeding tube, endured 10 surgeries and coded multiple times. He was hospitalized for 79 days, but went on to make a full recovery.

Platinum tickets were first introduced during American Idol season 20, in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary. However, only the judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, were able to choose their recipients. They chose eventual runner-up HunterGirl, top 10 finalist Jay Copeland, and Kenedi Anderson (who later dropped out of the competition). The winners of the tickets earn the privilege of skipping the first round of the very challenging Hollywood Week. Last season, the winners also were able to choose their partners in the Duets Round. Elijah’s ticket is extra special because it was awarded by the fans, which means he is already building a strong base of voters who can help keep him in the competition.

The American Idol America’s Platinum Ticket vote was a wonderful way to involve fans from the beginning of the competition. Voting does not usually occur until the live episodes, so it was exciting for fans to have a say in something before the show even airs. Elijah’s audition of “Bless the Broken Road” was moving and powerful. He certainly has had a long road to get to where he is today. Hopefully, Elijah will make it far on American Idol.

American Idol season 21 premieres Sunday, February 19 on FOX.

More: Everything We know About The Upcoming American Idol Season 21

Source: American Idol/Instagram, Elijah McCormick/Instagram, The Pilot