17-year-old Canaan James Hill from Dallas, Texas, delivered a powerful gospel performance on American Idol 2025 that earned him the third and final Platinum Ticket. His singing was so moving that judge Lionel Richie literally jumped out of his chair.
A Young Man with a Mission
Canaan has already graduated high school, finishing early to follow what he describes as his divine calling.
When judge Luke Bryan asked why he graduated ahead of schedule, Canaan answered with confidence: “So that I can go forward with my gift and do what God has called and chosen me to do.”
The young content creator from Dallas has been “getting into preaching” recently. He comes from what he proudly called “a gospel family.”
A Moving Performance
Canaan chose to sing ‘I Need Your Glory’ by gospel musician Earnest Pugh for his audition. This powerful worship song from 2009 speaks about yearning for God’s presence to fill one’s life.
With amazing poise for his age, Canaan started softly and built to a powerful finish that showed his excellent vocal range.
His performance caused veteran judge Lionel Richie to react in a way viewers had never seen before. First, Richie pushed his chair back from the judges’ desk in amazement.
Then he jumped completely out of his seat. “I had to sit back here to listen!” Richie explained afterward. “That was something so spectacular I can’t even describe what I heard.”
This was not how Richie typically responds. He has maintained his composure through countless auditions over many seasons of American Idol. “That was so powerful,” he continued, visibly moved. “You are so blessed.”
Judges Left Speechless
Carrie Underwood, an amazing vocalist herself, struggled to find the right words. “The words velvet, butter, it was smooth but powerful,” she said.
“I was, ‘Where have you been the last 17 years?’ You have a gift. Thank you for bringing your gift to us. I am kind of speechless.”
To this, an enthusiastic Richie simply added, “Hallelujah!”
Luke Bryan captured the spiritual impact of the moment: “I’ve never seen anything like it. When you sing in church, what do people do? Do they just run to the baptism pit and jump in it and get saved immediately?”
He continued praising Canaan: “Carrie said buttery, velvety, all the favorite food groups, butter pecan ice cream, barbecue. It’s a yes!”
The Ultimate Honor: The Platinum Ticket
Underwood quickly added her “yes” vote. Bryan then turned to Richie and asked, “Lionel, what are you ready to do?” Richie not only said yes but also stood up and hugged Canaan.
When Bryan asked his question again, Richie pointed to something special on the wall – the Platinum Ticket. This prized award was displayed on a wall covered with lighting elements.
It would allow Canaan to skip the first round of Hollywood Week, giving him a major advantage in the competition.
What happened next added a touch of humor to the moment. Richie tried but failed to remove the ticket from the wall. Bryan had to step in to successfully pull it from its spot.
As he gave the ticket to the young singer, Richie said with reverence, “This Platinum ticket means you can bypass the first round of Hollywood, and you get to sit back and watch all the people you are going to slay. I present this to you from the heavens above.”
An Inspiration to Young and Old
Like Canaan, we should strive to grow in spiritual maturity. He chose to finish school early to follow God’s purpose for his life. In the same way, we should always be ready to pursue God’s calling.
The prophet Isaiah said, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8) when God called him. We should have the same response.
WATCH: Canaan James Hill’s Powerful Performance on American Idol
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