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'Not a sad story competition': Internet slams 'American Idol' for giving Platinum Ticket to Cam Amen

'American Idol' fans unhappy as Cam Amren wins season's final Platinum Ticket after judges get emotional

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The final Platinum Ticket recipient of 'American Idol' Season 21 has been announced. But the moment turned sour online after Cam Amen performed "Hallelujah" while sharing his childhood struggles with the judges, which some fans said they are sick of hearing.

Cam, an 'American Idol' candidate, gave his all during his audition, leaving himself — and the show's judges — clearly emotional at the end. In the final audition episode on March 26, the vocalist performed a heartwarming version of Leonard Cohen's standard "Hallelujah," as well as telling the story of his childhood. "It was a bit rough growing up in foster care, we all got taken away from our mom," he began his audition before confessing, "We were in foster care a long time. I did leave at 18 and took in my brother and sister. I knew I had to raise them right and get 'em through high school." When show host Ryan Seacrest inquired how long he'd been looking after his siblings, the musician disclosed he'd been doing so for five years.

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Cam gets standing ovation from judges

When Cam began to sing, backed by a pianist, it was obvious that his performance would be memorable. Cam displayed his singing skills with emotional runs during the song, while judge Luke Bryan was seen wiping tears from his eyes. Fellow judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie praised the performance as well, with Lionel lifting his palms in amazement and the three giving Amen a standing ovation and acclaim.

"You've been through a lot, but the rest of your life is waiting on you. You hear me? God bless you man, God bless you," he said to the singer.

Cam is then embraced by all the judges. Luke said, “Your style is beautiful and unique” while Katy added, “It sounds like you had to sacrifice. You don’t need to hold on to it anymore, just let it come out.” After the audition, Cam invites his girlfriend Erica in, where he is given the Platinum ticket. He is allowed to sit out the first round of Hollywood Week without being ousted.

'Why is it always about the life story and not the voice?'

Even though judges were left weak after Cam's performance, fans at home had other feelings. One person wrote on Twitter, "kinda shock cam got platinum ticket" while another added, "i advance cam for passion #AmericanIdol ...do i think he will go far no.." Many felt his sob story was a no-brainer for him getting that ticket, "I knew they were giving him platinum!!" A fourth viewer questioned, "He got the platinum ticket? I'm kinda shocked."

On YouTube fans are calling out the makers for airing so much sob story from each contestant. They further accuse them by saying, "They all gotta tell a sad story just to get a...YES YOURE GOING TO HOLLYWOOD." Another person agreed saying, "It's all plan a skit." Some skeptical fans raised questions on the authenticity of the show itself, with one writing, "they all get hired to act like actors" while another wrote, "Everybody has a story lol its kinda strange."

An unimpressed fan wrote, "It was ok. But I’m not that great of a singer and I can sing like that. I thought this was a singing competition not a sad story competition. Sometimes I think this show is starting to become fake.. nothin toward the guy singing but he’s a 4 out of 10.. good attitude tho. But this isn’t about his singing ability at this point." Calling him unworthy of the Platinum Ticket, a fan wrote, "Didn't knock my sox off and definitely not worthy of the platinum ticket." Another questioned, "Why is it always about the life story and not the voice????" One more person wrote, "Thought his voice was okay but man was he off key non stop!"

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday at 8.pm ET on ABC.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.