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'American Idol' judges swaps Maine singer Julia Gagnon's Golden Ticket with Season 22's last Platinum Ticket

Lionel Richie was astounded by 'American Idol' Season 22 singer Julia Gagnon's ability to transform a famous song like Aretha Franklin's 'Ain't No Way' into her own

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On this last night of 'American Idol' Season 22 on ABC, judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry were still without a season-ending Platinum Ticket, despite some very outstanding performances. The season's last performer, 21-year-old Julia Gagnon from Cumberland, Maine, then took the stage and completely wowed the judges with her performance of Aretha Franklin's 'Ain't No Way.'

Lionel's initial reaction to Julia's performance was, "Did that come out of your mouth?" He commented, "You hit the amazing falsetto, and then you turned the volume down, so beautiful."

Katy concurred, saying, "I loved that. Look, you've got several soul singers inside of you, not just one. You could go really far. You could be Top 10."

Julia expressed gratitude and graciousness to the judges. It was evident that she had received the year's final Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

Lionel said, “I’m in shock. I grew up [listening to] Aretha Franklin. There are certain songs you just don't sing because you just can't touch the original, and you just made it not only your song, but you did things that were just beyond. That was amazing. That was absolutely outstanding. I'm going to vote. I can't wait to get to it. Yes.”

Katy asked Julia after her audition, "What's your mother's name?" Julia, who was adopted when she was two, said, "Which one?"

Katy said, "Your birth mama." Julia replied, "Sarah."

Katy remarked, "You're doing something big, and it's for Sarah. It’s a yes."

When Luke inquired about her adoptive mother's name, she said, "Meg."

Luke said, "We love Meg, too. I'm a yes,” which meant that Julia was going to Hollywood."

Back in the judgment chamber, Lionel asked his fellow judges, "What was that? That was something to behold."

Katy agreed: "She was amazing." And Luke added, "Probably one of the biggest voices all season."

Lionel said, "That was an Arthea Franklin song, and she slayed it. On top of that, it's just another level." Luke pointed out that Julia was still present, so the judges went out to surprise her with the season's third and final Platinum ticket.

Katy informed Julia and her family, "We forgot to do something." And Luke reclaimed her Golden Ticket.

But before Julia could get too worried, Lionel replied, "We had a little discussion. Every once in a while, we have someone that comes along that's just phenomenal. We have Platinum Tickets—only three. We only have one left, so I want to tell you that you are the recipient of our third Platinum Ticket. You deserve it. It was one of the most amazing performances we've ever seen."

'American Idol' Season 22 singer Julia Gagnon becomes a fan favorite

Julia sang Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way" and demonstrated that she has a powerful voice that she understands how to use. Fans quickly flocked to social media to share their enthusiasm over the new Platinum Ticket winner.

On YouTube, fans wrote, "Saved the best for last. She sang the house DOWN. I did not expect the mastery, dynamics, power, deep well of emotion. Wow! Congrats, moms. Phenomenal - So You Wanna Be A Singer."

Another person chimed in, "WOW!!! This was an idol moment ... Julia sang with such soul and power that it felt like Aretha herself was there on that stage ... EXCELLENT audition."

One user also commented, "I came here specifically for this voice. I wanted to replay this over and over. Her voice had me in tears. Every emotion needed to convey the message in that song was nailed. Her rendition will always be a fav. Wishing her so much joy and success."

A fourth user wrote, "Winner or not! Ladies and gentlemen you just met Julia before she is famous. Congrats that was insane!"

On X, fans wrote, "Julia absolutely deserved that platinum ticket, I was yelling at the damn tv , and when they gave it to get I know them judges heard me lol." Another person added, "Omg..she was wonderful!!!Some people are just born to sing.#JuliaGagnon..The girl can sang!" 

'American Idol' Season 22 singer Julia Gagnon came to the States at the age of 2 after getting adopted

The Cumberland, Maine, college student initially revealed her heartfelt life story. She was adopted at the age of two from a Guatemalan orphanage.

Despite being tormented at school, she had the support of her family to get through it. Julia talked about discovering her birth family.

In 2020, her adoptive father was able to find them with the help of a private detective. Her birth mother sent her a letter thanking her parents for raising her.

She hoped to live long enough to see her daughter do something significant.

Outside the judging chamber, Julia stated, "What I want to tell Sarah, my birth mother, is that you gave me the push that I needed. Everything happens for a reason."

Who is 'American Idol' Season 22 singer Julia Gagnon?

In addition to pursuing her degree as a senior at the University of Southern Maine, Julia is a vocalist who won the last Platinum Ticket to Hollywood for the 22nd season of 'American Idol'. Julia has spent practically her whole life in Maine.

The 21-year-old was brought to the United States as a child and is now living in Maine with her adoptive family. She was born in Guatemala.

She was raised in Cumberland as an only child, although she was not always interested in music. Julia claims she was bullied at school because of her race.

Her singing career began during a school talent event, when her chorus instructor heard her perform. Julia got first place in the Central Maine Idol competition this summer.

At this point, she had started communicating with her biological mother on a daily basis, who was dealing with serious health concerns back in Guatemala. But it led to something bigger: she auditioned in front of Idol judges Katy, Luke, and Lionel in Nashville.

Catch new episodes of 'American Idol' Season 22 every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC. The latest episodes are available to stream next day on Hulu.