Fil-Canadian Tyson Venegas makes it to Top 24 of ‘American Idol’ Season 21

A Filipino-Canadian teen is another step closer to winning American Idol Season 21.

Tyson Venegas made it to the Top 24 of the reality competition, as announced in its live telecast as well as its social media pages on Monday, April 10. “Tyson Venegas got caught up by nerves, but the judges still think he could make it far! He’s Top 24!” its Twitter post read.

The 17-year-old excitedly shared the news on his own Twitter page on the same day. “So happy to announce I made it to the Top 24! I have met so many amazing friends and artists on this journey and I can’t believe it’s not over yet!” he tweeted. 

He recently impressed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan with his duet cover of Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen alongside his fellow platinum ticket holder Kaylin Hedges. 

Tyson earned the first-ever platinum ticket in the reality tilt’s current season in February this year with his soulful performance of Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind. Aside from his vocal chops, he also impressed the judges for having been able to play the piano flawlessly while he was singing.

The Fil-Canadian teen was part of The Voice Teens Philippines in 2020. He also performed New York State of Mind while playing the piano with a blindfold on. When asked by judge Lea Salonga why he liked to play some music that way, he said: “I really like Stevie Wonder, and I love how he plays the piano, it’s like very natural.” He became part of Apl.de.ap's team but exited the competition before the knockouts were held.