Elijha McCormick Parents: American Idol Season 21 is currently underway, with judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan seeking the next big music sensation.
Following the Week 2 auditions, the judges witnessed some fantastic talent advance to the next round, with emotional stories, such as that of Jon Wayne Hatfield, captivating the audience.
The Week 3 auditions will bring fresh faces, including Elijha McCormick, America’s first Platinum ticket winner. Elijha, a singer and songwriter from North Carolina, was set to enter the national singing competition after finishing high school in 2019 but a terrible accident almost ended his life and his aspirations.
However, after surviving the accident, he has been making strides in the music industry. In this article, we delve deeper into Elijha’s story.
Elijha McCormick Parents: Keith McCormick And Teshauna McCormick
Elijha McCormick is a North Carolina-born singer and songwriter who grew up in a family of four. His father, Keith McCormick, owned a landscaping business in Moore and Hoke, Lee County, while his mother, Teshauna, worked as a front desk receptionist at a children’s center.
Elijha attended Pinecrest High School, where he was a standout soloist with the Chamber Ensemble, and showcasing his talent on the national stage had always been his dream. He planned to audition for ‘American Idol’ after his graduation in 2019 but was gravely injured in a head-on collision.
The accident left him with ten surgeries, a feeding tube, and dialysis, and he eventually had to relearn how to walk. However, Elijha’s first question after waking up from the terrible accident was, “Mama, can I still sing?”
It was a long road to recovery, but Elijha decided to follow his dream last summer and auditioned in front of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Ritchie. He was subsequently chosen to compete for a coveted Platinum Ticket as one of three Idol hopefuls.
Before making his debut on television, Elijha pursued classes at a community college while working as a technician for an ophthalmologist.
The American Music Awards, which aired on November 20, 2022, were the event for the voting for the American Idol season 21 America’s Platinum Ticket. Fans had 24 hours to vote for their three favorite competitors.
Elijha performed a soulful cover of Rascal Flatts’ ‘Bless the Broken Road’ at his audition. After his performance, Elijha received a standing ovation from all three judges, as well as some heartfelt hugs. Katy Perry thought, “You were meant to be here. It was your destiny.” Elijha’s voice almost brought tears to the judges’ eyes, especially Lionel, and he said, “It was one of the moments in my life I would never forget. God brought you back nine times for you to do something amazing.” Lionel even told Elijha’s mom, “Let me tell you when your son opens his mouth he is divine.”
Elijha competed against Haven Madison, who performed ‘Arcade’ by Duncan Laurence, and Matt Wilson, who sang ‘For Tonight’ by Giveon.
The R&B artist was announced as the winner of the fan-voted Platinum ticket on American Idol Instagram. Fans have found Elijha’s performance ‘incredible’ and believe he deserved to win. Some fans commented that Elijha’s voice was ‘intoxicating,’ with ‘incredible runs and control.’ One fan said, “You are a blessing in God’s plan! It is a YES for me!”
Source: Mckpage.com