Season 19 of American Idol has already seen some fierce competition, but a major surprise took place this past Monday evening just a day after the top 16 was revealed.
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Wyatt Pike has dropped out of the competition as host Ryan Seacrest broke the news on Monday’s episode of American Idol. "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," Seacrest told viewers.
On Sunday’s episode, Pike delivered a rousing performance of the Kings of Leon song “Use Somebody.”
"I think you do have a little bit of an angle in this competition that you're an authentic singer-songwriter,” Katy Perry told him. “I think whatever happens, you’re it.”
"I remember one of the coolest things ever happened to me is the day I realized that I get to do music forever, under any circumstance,” Luke Bryan said. “I'm telling you, Wyatt, you are going to be able to do music for the rest of your life."
Pike’s last Instagram post shows him in his hometown of Park City, Utah. Although Pike has yet to comment, a representative for American Idol told PEOPLE, "Wyatt could not continue due to personal reasons."
Monday’s episode featured the first live performances of the seasons as it was revealed that Pike had made it into the Top 12. Following his last performance, Lionel Richie told Pike “you have a style on stage that we like to watch."
“And to watch you take that song and make it your song, you're on your way to something big, my friend."
WATCH MORE: What to watch this week: ‘The Circle,’ ‘Dad, Stop Embarrassing Me’
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