During the season premiere of “American Idol” Sunday night, contestant Odell Bunton Jr. received the first platinum tickets of the season.
Bunton Jr., 28, who was originally born in Austin, Texas, and currently works as an overnight security guard at the Dallas Forth Worth Airport, recounted the story of how he knew he always wanted to be a singer at the six-years-old. When he turned 13, he started to pursue music more seriously. (Lionel Richie pointed out how Bunton Jr. just barely made it for the “American Idol” audition age limits, which caps at 28.)
But after his eldest daughter was born, Bunton Jr. took a step back from music to focus on providing for his family. Currently, Bunton Jr. and his wife have five children, and they live in a motel.
During his audition, Bunton Jr. performed Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me,” which amazed all three judges, who gave him a golden ticket and moved him forward. Later, his ticket was upgraded to platinum, in a surprise as he appeared on a local TV news broadcast.
With the platinum ticket, contestants not only get to advance to Hollywood, but are allowed to skip the first Hollywood round.
Richie appeared to have the strongest connection with Bunton Jr., immediately getting up to praise Richie and giving him a pat on the back.
“I was not expecting all from the security chief,” Richie said, calling the performance “old school.” Katy Perry even referred to Bunton Jr. “the best soul singer” this season. Luke Bryan agreed, referring to him as “incredible.”
At the end of his audition, he reunited with his wife — nearly knocking down host Ryan Seacrest — as he shared the good news with her.
On Instagram, an emotional Bunton Jr. shared a video Monday morning thanking followers for their support. “I’ve been crying so hard,” he says in the video. “I can’t cry anymore.”
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Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.