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Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit

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American Idol Season 21 got started a little bit early, as fans have already chosen a Platinum Ticket winner ahead of the February premiere. Elijah McCormick earned the most votes in a recent contest for the coveted honor.

American Idol Announces Season 21 Platinum Ticket Winner

During the American Music Awards last month, American Idol fans had the chance to vote for America’s Platinum Ticket winner. Elijah McCormick was up against Matt Wilson and Haven Madison. Based on their performances, viewers chose their favorite.

We now know that America voted for Elijah to earn the Platinum Ticket for his audition to “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. American Idol announced that Elijah was the winner on social media Sunday night.

Elijah posted a photo of himself holding his Platinum Ticket on Instagram, thanking America for their votes and adding, “I won’t let you guys down.”

Last year, American Idol introduced the Platinum Ticket for the first time, in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary. The ticket was given to three singers, allowing them to bypass the first round of Hollywood Week. Season 20 runner-up HunterGirl was one of the recipients.

SEE ALSO: FORMER FOX EXECUTIVE SAYS SIMON COWELL WAS PLAYING A CHARACTER ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’

Who Is Elijah McCormick?

According to Elijah’s Instagram account, he’s currently 21 years old. The singer, who is from North Carolina, was seriously injured in a car crash shortly after his high school graduation in 2019. Elijah told local news that when he woke up in the hospital, he chose to sing “Gratefully Broken” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

“It’s a song about God breaking you down to position you better. I guess that is what is happening now for me. I hate that the accident happened, but I’m not going to hate why it happened,” Elijah shared, adding, “God is good.”

Elijah spent 79 days in the hospital after the crash. He now works as an a technician for an ophthalmologist and attends community college. Earlier this year, he auditioned for American Idol in Nashville.

Fans can tune in to Season 21 starting February 19 to see Elijah’s journey on the show.

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