B.C. high schooler cut from American Idol top 8, calls experience 'an honour'

The last Canadian singer standing in this season's American Idolhas been cut from the reality TV show after making it to the top 10.

Tyson Venegas, a 17-year-old high-school student from Port Moody, B.C., received praise from the judges Monday night for his rendition of Lewis Capaldi'sSomeone You Loved.

But of the 23 million votes cast by viewers, Venegas found himself among the lowest vote-getters as the field of contenders was pared down to eight.

In a post on Facebook, Venegas thanked fans for their love and support, saying his American Idol journey has come to an end, "but what an honour it has been.''

Another Canadian, 20-year-old Emma Busse from Burnaby, B.C., was sent home by the judges last month when they shortened the list to 20.

Venegas made headlines early this year when he impressed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan enough to get the season's first Platinum Ticket for his cover of Billy Joel and Tony Bennett's New York State of Mind.

At14, Venegas auditioned forThe Voice Teens Philippines, and at age seven he won a local singing competition at the Pacific National Exhibition, British Columbia's largest annual fair.

WATCH | Seven-year-old Tyson Venegas performsRoute 66:

ARCHIVES: Before he was on American Idol, Tyson Venegas wowed audiences at the PNE

1 year ago

Duration 0:20

Teenager Tyson Venegas has been winning fans worldwide with his performances on American Idol, where he's made it to the top 12. But back in 2013, the then-seven-year-old impressed judges at the PNE with his rendition of 'Route 66,' which he performed here for CBC News.