American Idol's 2025 season is well underway, and judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are already amazed by the incredible talent.
The hit series' season 23 is officially airing new episodes every Sunday and Monday night, and the competition is already bringing out many inspiring contestants. One person in particular stood out early on in the season, and that was 26-year-old Kolbi Jordan from Tulsa, Oklahoma. A gospel singer whose favorite musician is Patti LaBelle, she wowed the judges with an impressive take on Chrisette Michele's track "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)." After leaving everyone stunned, Lionel surprised Kolbi with the ultimate surprise. He not only had sneak dialed Patti on his cell phone, he had to tell her how amazing Kolbi's voice was.
"There is a young lady here who has really been 'sanging.'" he stated in the clip posted on YouTube. "I want to introduce you."
But that wasn't all Lionel did for Kolbi. Per Parade, after giving Kolbi a Golden Ticket during her first audition, Lionel surprised her by delivering a coveted Platinum Ticket after performing at a Tennessee Titans football game. But this leaves us wondering something quite important. What exactly is a Platinum Ticket, and what benefits does it give to anyone who receives one during the auditions? Well, we did some digging, and it turns out the Platinum Ticket comes with a very unique opportunity.
What is a Platinum Ticket on American Idol?
According to Gold Derby in 2024, the Platinum Ticket first came about in the 2022 season of American Idol, and it has a few cool perks for those who receive it.
The outlet writes that it is an upgraded version of the Golden Ticket, and it allows contestants who showcase the most stellar auditions the chance to skip the first round of Hollywood Week. What's more, only three competitors receive it throughout the audition process, with one getting it in every city the show goes to (for the 2025 season, American Idol traveled to Los Angeles, Nashville and New York City).
Who got a Platinum Ticket on American Idol in 2025?
Along with Kolbi gaining special recognition from the judges, R&B singer Filo received his own Platinum Ticket for the American Idol 2025 season. And despite his audition not making it to air just yet, folks learned of his surprising fate in the best way possible.
During the 2025 Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve broadcast, Ryan and Carrie brought Filo onto the program to introduce viewers to the artist. What's more, his talent already earned high praise from Carrie, who gave him the Platinum Ticket live on TV.
"Oh my god! What?" Filo exclaimed at the time. "What just happened? This is insane!"
Filo and Kolbi weren't the only ones to receive the major nod. Fans met 17-year-old singer Canaan James Hill on the March 30 episode, who took it to the gospel level with his rendition of "I Need Your Glory" by Earnest Pugh. His performance was so moving to the judges, Lionel got out of his chair and was rendered speechless from it.
"That was so powerful," Lionel in a clip posted on YouTube. "You are so blessed. That was something so spectacular, I can’t even describe what I heard."
It didn't take much for Lionel, Carrie and Luke to send Canaan to Hollywood — but it came with a thrilling caveat. While it took Lionel some tries before Luke eventually got it, the judging trio were emotional as they gave Canaan the final Platinum Ticket.
Have any American Idol winners received a Platinum Ticket?
In a surprise twist of events, only one American Idol winner has ever received the Platinum Ticket!
During season 7 (season 22 overall) in 2024, Abi Carter secured a Platinum Ticket with her soulful rendition of Billie Eilish's Oscar-winning track "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie. She eventually made it all the way to the finale, where she beat Will Moseley to become the winner for that season.
Before that, though, no other Platinum Ticket recipient had won American Idol. When the twist was first introduced in season 5 (season 20 overall), HunterGirl, Kenedi Anderson and Jay all received the special allowance. Although HunterGirl was the only one to make it to the finale, she eventually lost to winner Noah Thompson.
What's more, in season 6 (season 21 overall), the Platinum Tickets were given to Cam Amen, Kaylin Hedges, Elijah McCormick and Tyson Venegas in a surprise fourth ticket. Tyson was the only one of the quartet to make it to the Top 10, but he eventually got eliminated, with Iam Tongi claiming the victorious title.
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
