The American Idol Platinum Ticket is back for Season 8 on ABC (Season 23 overall), and this year’s first winner got a surprise she’ll never forget. On Sunday night, judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan awarded the coveted ticket to 26-year-old Kolbi Jordan from Tulsa, OK, after she wowed them with her performance of Chrisette Michele’s “Epiphany (I’m Leaving)” and her vibrant personality.
The Platinum Ticket is a rare honor given to just three contestants each season, one from each audition city—this year’s cities include Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City. What makes it stand out? The winner gets to skip the first round of performances during Hollywood Week and watch the competition from the audience, giving them a unique advantage.
Kolbi, who works as a “People and Culture Generalist” (aka HR for a dental company), says her heart lies in gospel music. But when it comes to inspiration, she looks to the classics—none other than the legendary Patti LaBelle. And it just so happened that Lionel Richie had Patti’s number on speed dial.
After Kolbi finished singing, Lionel couldn’t resist giving Patti a call. “There is a young lady here who has really been ‘sanging,’” Lionel told the “Godmother of Soul.” “I want to introduce you.”
Patti, ever the gracious icon, immediately asked Kolbi how she was doing. Kolbi, overwhelmed by the moment, asked Patti for some pie—a sweet nod to Patti’s famous pies, which include Sweet Potato, Southern Buttermilk, Peach Apple Cobbler, and Lemon Blueberry Pie, available at stores like Walmart and Target.
“I’ll give you some pie after you win,” Patti promised, “Love you, Kolbi, and good luck.”
Lionel, clearly thrilled with the moment, shared his dream for the finale: “My dream is to have the two of you standing side by side. I can’t even imagine what that’s going to be.”
As for the judges’ reviews of Kolbi’s performance, Carrie Underwood got emotional. “Obviously, an incredible voice,” she said. “I’m so happy for you. We just met and I feel proud of you and excited for you. You had dynamics within dynamics. It was just amazing. You’re just so good.”
Luke, ever the jokester, quipped, “People and Culture Generalist? You can kiss that little title goodbye.”
Lionel added, “First of all, the instrument is just crazy great. And the second thing is you sold us just on your personality. Now, you put those two together, and you have a crowd that’s pleased with your performance. It’s amazing to have you here.”
“I’m blessed to be here,” Kolbi responded with gratitude.
Then came the moment of truth: “It’s a hallelujah yes,” Lionel declared, and both Carrie and Luke followed suit, sending Kolbi to Hollywood.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. Later, Kolbi received a call from host Ryan Seacrest, telling her the judges weren’t done with her yet. A car was sent to pick her up, and she was driven to the Tennessee Titans’ stadium. Kolbi thought she was just performing, but after the first quarter, Ryan made an announcement that left her speechless. “Great performance, Kolbi,” he said. “The judges thought that was worth a Golden Ticket upgrade to Platinum Ticket. Congratulations. You are a Platinum Ticket winner.”
Catch the latest American Idol episode Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, or stream it the next day on Hulu.
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