Canadian teen Tyson Venegas shines on American Idol stage: 'So incredible'

Tyson Venegas, a Canadian teen from Port Moody, B.C., has made it to the Top 12 on this season of American Idol.

The 17-year-old first wowed the judges with his soulful rendition of Billy Joel's “New York State of Mind.”

The judges gave him a standing ovation. Lionel Richie was too stunned to sit back down. He said the teen performs “like a 45-year-old.”

Venegas’ performance earned him the first coveted Platinum Ticket that allowed him to skip the first round of Hollywood Week. The rare ticket is only given once in each audition city.

For round two of Hollywood Week, Venegas sang a duet with another Platinum Ticket holder, Kaylin Hedges. Together, they sang Queen's “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

The Canadian musician then made it in the Top 26 with Bruno Mars’ “It Will Rain.”

Although his following performance singing “Cuz I Love You” by Lizzo was hit with nerves, Venegas still made his way to the Top 24.

Last Sunday, he sang an original song titled “180,” which advanced him from the Top 20 to the Top 12.

Fans are obsessing over the song’s meaning on his social channels.

“We don’t really hear a lot of pop songs with such a strong & powerful message like this so this was so refreshing & great to hear," a fan wrote. "So incredible that he wrote this. I need this song on Spotify asap.”

Judge Katy Perry also praised Venegas' original song: “I know what you stand for, I know what your values are, I know what your perspective is, I know where your heart is and therefore, I can fall deeper in love with you.”

In the hopes of solidifying a Top 10 spot, Venegas sang an emotional rendition of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John and George Michael.

On Sunday’s episode, it will be revealed who will move on to the Top 10.

American Idol airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. on CityTV in Canada.