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'American Idol' Season 19: Who is Ryan Romano? Katy Perry buys singer's jacket for $400 and sends him home

The premiere of 'American Idol' Season 19 saw a bunch of contestants trying their luck to win the golden ticket and one of the contestants was Ryan Romano

Season 19 of the singing reality show ‘American Idol’ and fourth on the ABC network finally premiered on Valentine’s Day with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie reprising their roles. Ryan Seacrest also returned with his hosting duties on the talent hunt show.

The very first episode saw a bunch of contestants trying their luck at winning the golden ticket and one of the contestants was Ryan Romano. The 16-year-old crooner landed in the auditions with his compatible piano looking dapper in a black outfit teamed up with a glittering jacket and that’s exactly what got Katy Perry’s attention.

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Who is Ryan Romano?

Ryan covered a song in front of the judges but failed to impress the trio with his singing skills. However, the teenager was in for a surprise when Katy asked about his “cool” jacket as she thought it would look very good on her father who is known for his eccentric fashion style. After Ryan was done with his performance Katy asked if she could get that jacket and she was willing to pay for it saying, “Do you have Venmo?”

The award-winning crooner ended up paying $400 to Ryan to which Lionel Richie said, “A deal has been struck on the set!” Ryan then took off his jacket and left the audition stage without a golden ticket. 

‘That probably cost $20 at Walmart’

Social media users who were watching the show live did not waste a single moment to rush to Twitter and speak about the entire situation. One user quipped,”Katy Perry just paid a contestant from American Idol $400 for a jacket that probably cost $20 at Walmart. What am I doing wrong?”

Another stated, “Wow okay dude came on for an audition and got $400 from Katy for his jacket. Not a bad day of work I guess. No ticket but got some cash. #AmericanIdol” One user said, “I hope Katy Perry’s dad enjoys Ryan Romano’s jacket.  #AmericanIdol” One posted, “Thank god that Ryan Romano got a good voice behind him. Ryan didn't get the Golden ticket to Hollywood but got $400 for the jacket. GOod luck in the future and in 2021.” The next one concluded, “That was SO incredible that @katyperry bought Ryan Romano’s jacket for her Father. Red heartClapping hands signSmiling face with tear #AmericanIdol”