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.
-
Valparaiso couple fights to get children back amid state's suspicion of abuse
A Valparaiso mother and father are fighting to get their kids back after they say the Indiana Department of Child Services wrongfully accused them of abusing their baby.
Sheriff: Man indicted, mom charged in dog attack that killed infant
A Jackson County grand jury last week indicted a 50-year-old Brownstown man of reckless homicide in the death of an infant attacked by a dog in 2025, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office said Monday.
Storm chances for Tuesday evening, followed by warmer week
A nice week is in store across central Indiana. Our next rain chance arrives Tuesday night. High temperatures this weekend climb into the 80s.Town of Speedway seeking admissions for Centennial Time Capsule
The Speedway Centennial Planning Committee is asking for items such as photos and letters to include in a time capsule, marking the 100th anniversary of the founding and incorporation of Speedway.