Tyson Venegas has exited the stage from one of the world's most popular reality competitions.
The powerful Port Moody singer was voted off American Idol Monday night (May 2) in the show's latest episode.
The 17-year-old student at Heritage Woods Secondary finished outside the top eight, receiving one of the lower voting counts after 23 million ballots were cast across the U.S., Canada and other international viewers.
This comes nearly three months after Venegas received the 21st season's first "Platnium Ticket" from the celebrity judges — Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan — and virtually coasting through to the top 10 last week.
"Your support means a lot," Venegas said in a social media post following his exit.
"My @AmericanIdol journey has come to an end but what an honour it has been. Ngl [Not gonna lie], I'm gonna miss my new fam."
Venegas wowed the judges at his audition in Las Vegas with his rendition of Billy Joel and Tony Bennett's "New York State of Mind," which earned the ticket that sent him straight to the second round of "Hollywood Week."
@tricitynews Port Moody’s Idol. 🤩 #tricitynews #portmoody #americanidol #idol #platinumticket ♬ original sound - TriCityNews
He was the last of the special-ticket winners to be eliminated from this season's American Idol.
After several challenges, in which he was able to showcase his vocal range, the voting public kept Venegas in the running for the $250,000 grand prize and a record deal with a major label.
He reached the top 12 last Monday (April 24), which was the halfway point of the show, and received praise from the judges this week for his cover of Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved."
In the end, American Idol viewers decided they liked the other contestants just a little bit more.
"My sweet boy, you are a force to be reckoned with," said Wé Ani, one of the singers that made it through to the top eight, in response to Venegas' social post.
"This is just the start."
"I'm beaming with pride! You are an incredible talent," added Audrey Pine Wright, casting producer for Amercian Idol, in another response.
"I'm honoured to have casted you this season....and can't wait to see where your career takes you."
Venegas performed the following songs (in order of performance):
- "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel and Tony Bennett (audition)
- "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen (duet chellange, Hollywood Week)
- "Cuz I Love You" by Lizzo (showstopper round)
- "It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars (top 26)
- "180 (original)" by Tyson Venegas (top 20)
- "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John (top 12 reveal)
- "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder (top 12)
- "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi (top 10)
- with a file from The Canadian Press