She was previously declared “the biggest star we’ve ever seen” on American Idol. Now, 18-year-old Kenedi Anderson has dropped out of the competition.
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Anderson was an early frontrunner on the 20th season of American Idol as she was one of the first contestants to take home the coveted “Platinum Ticket.” The ticket fast-tracks the winner past Hollywood Week.
During her debut, she earned high-praise from the Idol judges with a stunning piano-led rendition of the classic Lady Gaga song “Applause.”
“I don’t know how you haven’t been recruited, but you check every box and a lot of all of them,” Katy Perry said at the time. “Get ready to become your own hero.”
Luke Bryan boldly claimed “I believe you might be the biggest star we’ve ever seen” and said Anderson “was born to be a star.”
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On Monday’s episode, Anderson sang the Christina Perri song “Human” at Aulani, Disney’s resort and spa in Hawaii. Immediately following the performance, the show didn’t list any information on how to vote for her.
"You might have noticed that there was no voting information during Kenedi’s performance just now," host Ryan Seacrest told the viewing audience. "Since we taped these shows in Hawaii earlier, Kenedi has decided to withdraw from our show for personal reasons."
“We send her our well-wishes, and needless to say, we have incredible talent on this historic season, with more iconic Idol performance coming up for you right now.”
Anderson took to Instagram after the on-air announcement to explain why she left the show. “For personal reasons, I’m unable to continue on American Idol,” she wrote.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I know it’s necessary. I’m so grateful to American Idol, the judges, the producers, the amazing contestants, and all the fans who have supported me. Thank you for giving me such an amazing opportunity to share my voice, chase my dreams, feel so much joy and happiness doing what I love, and make friends along the way.”
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