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.
-
Former WNBA president to be honored at Saturday's Fever game
During the matchup against the Sparks, the Fever will recognize founding WNBA President Val Ackerman with the Lin Dunn Inspiring Women Award.
Wonderful Wednesday before rain, heat and high humidity return
A wonderful Wednesday with sunny skies and low humidity. Rain chances return later this week with high heat and oppressive humidity.
Beech Grove schools begin public push for 2026 referendum
Beech Grove City Schools launched a series of public meetings Tuesday night on the proposed 2026 operational referendum.
Indianapolis Urban League celebrates 60 years of service with awards luncheon
Tuesday was a milestone day for the Indianapolis Urban League, the local chapter of a national organization serving communities of color with housing and food assistance and scholarships.