"American Idol" is back — and Season 20 is already bringing lots of inspiring stories and tear-jerking moments.
Just ask judge Katy Perry, who was reduced to tears at Tyler Allen's heartbreaking audition in Sunday's season premiere. The 24-year-old delivery driver from Mobile, Alabama, dedicated his performance to his 1-year-old nephew Noah, who was killed in a car accident last April.
Allen told the judges that the infant and his mother were hit by an 18-wheeler and "died immediately."
"It was the hardest thing to comfort her," he said. "Even though he's not here, I believe he's in a better place."
Allen sang Whitney Houston's "I Believe in You and Me," which she sang to Noah as he rocked the baby to sleep.
The moving song - and Allen's soft, intimate vocals - had a clear impact on all three judges, especially Perry, who sobbed through tissues throughout the audition.
"It's just God-given," Perry later said. "It's beautiful"
Fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan agreed.
"You're a star," Richie said. "You're at the top of my food chain right now."
Allen earned three yes votes, sending him to the Hollywood Week round.
But he has to face tough competition. Other "Idol" hopefuls who received a gold ticket include soulful singer Cole Hollman, who was accompanied by his adorable little sister; Nicolina, who gave a chilling performance of Sara Bareilles' "She Use to Be Mine"; and Taylor Jalen Fagins, who shared a moving original song inspired by the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.
'American Idol' crown winner, Arthur Gunn reacts to judges' failure to perform in finale
And Huntergirl, a 23-year-old music therapist from Winchester, Tennessee, earned the show's first platinum ticket—a new twist this season that will send three lucky singers to the second round of Hollywood Week.
When Brian invited her to perform at Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge at their bar in Nashville, Tennessee, the judges revealed the news to a stunned Huntergirl. Her heartfelt rendition of Rascal Flatts' "Riot" prompted comparisons to Bryant to Miranda Lambert and predicted that she would make this year's Top 10.
"American Idol" continues next Sunday at 8 EST/PST.
'American Idol' winner Chase Beckham nearly died in DUI wreck: Here's how he changed his life