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.
-
Growing number of Indiana schools victims of cyberattacks, data shows
A growing number of Indiana K-12 schools are becoming victims of cyberattacks, according to data obtained by WRTV Investigates.
Jordin Sparks to perform national anthem at 110th Indianapolis 500
Jordin Sparks will return to IMS for the third time to perform the national anthem before the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
All-terrain track chairs and Vietnam War-era helmets stolen from Fort Harrison
The Indiana Conservation Officers are offering a reward for information on break-ins at Fort Harrison State Park that resulted in the theft of two all-terrain track chairs and several other items.
Carmel business braces for months-long US 31 closure impact
Starting Thursday, southbound U.S. 31/Meridian Street between 106th and 96th streets will be closed through late fall.