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.
-
Indiana veteran completes 250-mile march for semiquincentennial
Indiana Gulf War veteran takes on American Legion's USA 250 Challenge, marching 250 miles to support veterans and their children.
IU’s Lamar Wilkerson & Tucker DeVries sign NBA Exhibit-10 contracts
Former Indiana Hoosiers Lamar Wilkerson and Tucker DeVries have officially inked NBA Exhibit-10 contracts to play in the NBA Summer League starting in July.
Facing heavy rain and severe threat Friday, extreme heat next week
A slow-moving front brings central Indiana a couple of rain chances in the coming days. Widespread rain is anticipated on Friday.
Pacers GM Chad Buchanan shares what stood out about Braden Smith
Former Purdue star and Westfield grad Braden Smith is staying home. The Indiana Pacers traded for Smith, the NCAA all-time assist leader, in the second round of the NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
