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Did Triston Harper get a platinum ticket? 'American Idol' Season 22 judge Katy Perry labels Triston Harper's performance 'not perfect'

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Triston Harper performs 'Cover Me Up' by Jason Isbel

TUSKEGEE, ALABAMA: In the Season 22 premiere of 'American Idol,' contestant Triston Harper left an impression on judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, although Katy Perry found his performance not 'perfect.' Despite the critique, Triston secured a golden ticket, guaranteeing a spot in Hollywood week.

For his audition, Triston showcased his talent with a rendition of 'Cover Me Up' by Jason Isbell, skillfully accompanying himself on the guitar. Katy Perry, while noting the imperfection, commented, "It wasn't perfect, but it resonated with me." expressing her overall impression with an added, "I'm impressed."

Katy further praised Triston's authenticity and connection to the song, stating, "You were so authentic, so connected to yourself, singing from your soul." On the other hand, Luke Bryan, acknowledging technical aspects, expressed a desire to spend an afternoon teaching Triston how to improve his performance.

Luke, addressing technical nuances, noted, "Anything that you’re doing technically-wise is because you’re fifteen." He humorously added, "I could have an afternoon with you and say 'Don't do that anymore!' Just like 'Don't do those two things,' and man."

How old is 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Triston Harper?

Triston Harper, the 15-year-old sensation from Tuskegee, Alabama, left 'American Idol' judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie stunned with not just his age but also his surprisingly 'deep' voice.

Acknowledging the unexpected talent, Luke Bryan exclaimed, "I have been out-countried by a 15-year-old." Viewers were equally impressed with Triston's unique vocal quality, with one social media user marveling, "Triston Harper, 15 - McIntosh, Alabama - Country through and through, but old soul despite his youth -- where do they FIND these 15-year-olds??"

Another person added, "15 with a deep voice lol okkk lol." Another internet user penned, "Tristan is really rough in the vocal skills department (needs a lot of work but he's only 15 so) but wow he has an incredibly compelling tone/voice."

Another X user tweeted, "Triston Harper 15 on guitar. All that twang, very easy on the ears, bringing the emotion and looking just comfortable as can be. #Country as a dirt road. Love the message of his song." Another viewer wrote, "He has a great storytelling voice."

Triston Harper reflects on his 'emotional' past

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Triston Harper, a high school student from McIntosh, Alabama, revealed a deeply personal and challenging journey during his auditions. Triston disclosed that due to abuse, he had to leave his family, experiencing homelessness with his mom in his earlier years.

Recalling the difficult time, Triston shared, "When I was 11, my mom was with my stepdad. He was very abusive." The situation led them to leave McIntosh, and he continued, "Then everything, it went sideways just like that. The lowest part of my life was when me and my mom got homeless and were sleeping on the sidewalk."

Amidst tears, Triston's mother acknowledged the hardships, stating, "Life has been hard." Triston expressed his unexpected joy, saying, "I never thought I'd be able to tell my story to American Idol, ever," and added, "Makes me happy just thinking about it."

'American Idol' Season 22 new episodes airs on Sundays at 8 pm ET on ABC.