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Was Kya Monee snubbed? 'American Idol' fans upset she got no platinum ticket for Willie Spence tribute

Despite Kya losing out on the platinum ticket, 'American Idol' fans couldn't stop praising her

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 'American Idol' showrunners definitely saved the best for the last by bringing out former contestant Kya Monee' as the final performer of the season 21 pilot episode. For her audition, Kya decided to pay a moving tribute to her former duet partner and fellow Idol alum Willie Spence. There wasn't a single dry eye in the room after Kya's moving performance.

So, when the judges- Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie,  decided to give her a golden ticket to Hollywood instead of the platinum ticket, 'American Idol' fans were far from pleased. Read on to know more.

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You can check out Kya Monee's audition here:

Kya Monee's emotional tribute to Willie Spence on 'American Idol' 2023

When Kya was paired with Willie Spence as her duet partner back in 2021, the Texas native had no idea about how her life was going to change forever. After wowing the judges with their flawless duet, the duo went on to forge a very close friendship after the show.  WIllie and Kya were each others' biggest cheerleaders, so when Willie died in a car crash in 2022, her life fell apart. Just days prior to his passing Willie urged Kya to audition for 'American Idol' once again and to continue chasing her dreams. he was even going to accompany Kya to the audition, and they'd even picked her song. 

Standing on the stage before the judges and auditioning yet again was Kya's way of honoring her late friend. Despite the cracks in her voice as her emotions took over her, Kya managed to deliver a moving tribute to Willie with her powerful rendition to 'I'm Here'. By the end of her performance, the judges were in tears and lauded her for her bravery and strength while also praising her for paying such a beautiful tribute to her friend. 

'Why didn't she get a platinum ticket?' ask 'American Idol' fans after Kya Monee's song

Though the judges couldn't stop praising Kya's performance, they sent her home with a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. Fans were left fuming as they felt that she deserved a platinum ticket for her moving performance. A fan tweeted, "And YET AGAIN (NO SURPRISE) they had NO PLATINUM TICKET for yet ANOTHER person who DESERVED IT b/c they'd already given it away #AmericanIdol #IDOLpremiere." "#AMERICANIDOL #SHESANG WHY DIDN’T SHE GET A #PLATINUM #TICKET & YALL KNOW IT THATS WHY YALL SAVED HER FOR LAST. SHE GOT #GOLD BUT #IJS," pointed out a fan.

Despite Kya losing out on the platinum ticket, 'American Idol' fans couldn't deny that her performance was the perfect tribute to Willie. A fan wrote, "Wow, just wow. That is what music is all about. Had me tearing up. That performance from Kya was so powerful and so beautifully done. Willie Spence would be so proud. Gone way too soon. #AmericanIdol #IDOLpremiere." "Oh my goodness!!!! @KyaMonee I am speechless!!! He would be so proud of you!!!!! You were amazing!!! #RestInPowerKing," added another fan. "My goodness. That was absolutely beautiful - and it brought me to tears. RIP Willie #AmericanIdol," expressed a fan. "What a beautiful tribute to Willie. Such an Angelic voice. #AmericanIdol," shared a fan.

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday at 8/7c on ABC.

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