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Golden Ticket Sends Singing Minister Straight to Hollywood on AMERICAN IDOL

Judge Luke Bryan. Photo from American Idol’s Instgram

Golden Ticket Sends Singing Minister Straight to Hollywood on AMERICAN IDOL

By Movieguide® Contributor

Season 20 of AMERICAN IDOL kicked off Sunday night with returning music star judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. But what caught viewers’ attention was the heartfelt audition from Tyler N. Allen. When Allen took the stage, his charisma immediately appealed to the judges.

Luke Bryan said, “Finally, somebody that just makes us smile.”

Katy Perry added “You walk in like a star.”

What sets Allen apart is not just his winning smile and friendly demeanor. Allen has been in Christian ministry for 15 years, and joy naturally bubbles up from the 24-year-old Alabama native.

Also a newlywed, Allen and his wife are active in ministry. They each helm Tyler Nicholas Allen Ministries and Dahja Janae Ministries.

Allen’s audition begins on a tearful note after his introduction video concludes. From the stage, he shares that his purpose in being at AMERICAN IDOL is inspired by the death of his 1-year-old nephew Noah, who along with mom Ariel, died in a car accident after being hit by an 18-wheeler in April 2021.

Allen says that singing brings him comfort and peace, and Whitney Houston’s hit “I Believe In You and Me” is one, “I would sing to him all the time when I would rock him to sleep.”

“When I got the chance to come, I thought ‘What better way to honor him than to sing the song by Whitney Houston?’”

Allen says he “dedicates this journey to [Noah]” and through a few shaky notes at the beginning, solemnly and beautifully delivers the selection. The powerful moment elicited an emotional response from all judges, most visibly from a tearful Katy Perry.

“We were just boo-hooing like babies,” Allen shares of the judges’ reactions to his audition.

The most encouraging response is given by Luke Bryan, who says, “You have your perfectly unique sound, and you sing with purpose, and you sing to honor. You sing to uplift, and you sing to create a moment. That’s another thing that stars do, and you know, you’re checking a lot of amazing boxes for us.”

Lionel Richie agrees that he is a star, and so Allen was granted a Golden Ticket which secures his advancement to the next round in AMERICAN IDOL, live performances in Hollywood.

“Hearing this from legends, there’s Katy Perry crying – I’ll never forget this moment. Never. As long as I live.”

You can follow Allen’s AMERICAN IDOL journey Sundays on ABC.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.