Texas singer gets first platinum ticket in new ‘American Idol’ season. Here’s what it means

Odell Bunton Jr. grew up singing in the church. To his pastoral parents, singing was about religious praise. Now Bunton Jr. is receiving praise of his own after his “American Idol” audition earned him a platinum ticket.

The 28-year-old Texan impressed judges with his rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me.” 

What is a platinum ticket on “American Idol”?

The platinum ticket was introduced to “American Idol” two years ago in celebration of the talent competition’s 20th anniversary, according to Parade Magazine. Unlike the golden ticket that’s given to those who are granted, it is an exclusive ticket only given to three performers each season.

Also, with platinum tickets, artists like Bunton Jr. get to skip the first round of performances during Hollywood Week and watch from the audience to scope out their competition.

Who is Odell Bunton Jr.? 

Bunton Jr. was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and now lives in Dallas, working as a security guard at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, he said during his audition. Growing up, Bunton Jr. and his siblings sang in the choir every Sunday. He credits his mother for his vocal skills. 

Bunton Jr. has a wife and five children. Prior to his “American Idol” audition, Bunton Jr. has played singing gigs as a side hustle. He’s been a cook, he’s sold windows to homeowners and has been a janitor in the airport.

“Singing saved my life,” he said. “I kinda started to grow content that maybe this isn’t going to work.” 

When is Hollywood Week on “American Idol”? 

The full “American Idol” schedule has not been released yet. But according to Screen Rant, the show could follow last season’s schedule, “Season 21 had a total of 20 episodes. There were six audition episodes, four Hollywood Week episodes, and two Hawaii Round episodes. There were then six live episodes, followed by a special ‘Journey to the Finale’ recap episode.” 

“American Idol” airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.

Watch Odell Bunton Jr.’s American Idol audition that earned him a platinum ticket