DESPITE making it into the final 12 contestants of the competition, American Idol star Wyatt Pike has opted to leave the show early.
Ryan Seacrest confirmed the 20-year-old had departed the series during the recent live episode on Monday, April 12.
Why did Wyatt Pike leave American Idol?
In his announcement to viewers, Ryan Seacrest said: “Before we get to the results, I have to tell you that finalist Wyatt Pike will not be competing in the competition.
“He had to drop out, but we wish him the very best.”
This was followed by a spokesperson for the show revealing to People that “Wyatt could not continue due to personal reasons.”
Monday night’s episode was the first live show of the series, Pike’s departure felt all the more sudden given Sunday night’s episode showed the singer making the cut from the final 16 contestants to the last 12.
Judges were left stunned by his emotional rendition of Use Somebody by Kings of Leon.
Before his premature exit, judge Katy Perry praised Pike’s potential, claiming: “I think you do have a little bit of an angle in this competition that you’re an authentic singer-songwriter.”
Music icon and fellow judge Lionel Richie told Pike he was “on way to something big.”
Who is Wyatt Pike?
The 20-year-old singer songwriter amassed a number of fans during his short stint in the show.
Pike has remained quiet on the reasons surrounding his departure, his most recent social media activity was an Instagram post of his hometown of Park City, Utah.
The image was accompanied with the cryptic caption: “Something to feel this through: home. Thankful for the rollercoaster I’m on today.”
How can I watch American Idol?
American Idol: The Search for a Superstar airs every Monday evening at 8pm PT/ET on network ABC.
American Idol has given a platform to a number of music stars who have secured household name status all over the globe, including the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson to name just a few.
The latest series sees Ryan Seacrest return as host, with recurring judges including pop star Katy Perry, musical legend Lionel Richie as well as Country star Luke Bryan while Bobby Bones returns as the in-house mentor for the show’s contestants.
