Why Did Wyatt Pike Drop Out of ‘American Idol’? Former Contestant Cites ‘Personal Reasons’ for Exit
UPDATE (4/15/2021): Since it was announced that American Idol‘s Season 19 contestant Wyatt Pike wouldn’t continue on in the competition, fans have wondered what prompted the absence.
It seems like the performer has finally broken his silence through a post on his Instagram profile. The Utah native cites “personal reasons” for his exit as he addressed fans in the posting. “I had to leave the @AmericanIdol competition for personal reasons but am so thankful I get to play music for the rest of my life.”
He even had some positive well wishes for the other contestants, as his message continued. “Fellow contestants – miss you all, good luck!,” he wrote. “Thank you to everyone for your support… do stick around for more musical things soon!”
View this post on Instagram
ORIGINAL STORY (4/13/2021): American Idol has narrowed its remaining pool of contestants down to a Top 12, but one of them will no longer take part in the music competition series, as Wyatt Pike has left the show unexpectedly.
The 19-year-old hopeful from Park City, Utah, has repeatedly delivered solid performances since he first appeared in the auditions. But during the April 13 broadcast, host Ryan Seacrest told viewers before unveiling 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.”
The reason behind Pike’s exit is foggy, and according to People, an ABC representative said, “Wyatt could not continue due to personal reasons.” His last appearance on the show occurred during the Sunday, April 12, episode, when he sang Kings of Leon‘s “Use Somebody,” as segments from the show that night were pre-recorded.
According to Pike’s Instagram, he’s been home in Utah for nearly a week. “Something to feel this through: home. Thankful for the rollercoaster I’m on today,” he captioned two images featuring Park City on his profile.
View this post on Instagram
While the reason behind his exit is unclear, Wyatt’s audition segment did reveal that the singer had experienced bouts of anxiety in the past related to some of his younger sister’s mental health issues. Wyatt even performed a special original song titled “Best For You,” about his sister for the audition.
For now, it remains unclear whether Wyatt will return to the competition at a later date or season, but he’s definitely received plenty of fans support since the news of his exit broke. As comments pour in on his social media, we can’t help but wish the Idol contestant the best.
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G
Always put mental health first. Then you will be prepared to live your life.
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O
Wyatt we are wishing you and your family THE VERY BEST! Only you know what's good for you in this moment and I trust God is with you every single step of the way. Praying for you and yours...you have an AMAZING gift and that is definitely not going away...so happy you a doing what's BEST for you at this moment. Lifting you up, brother!
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G
Absolutely...God will provide the path, just keep walking...and running!!
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O
I'm so sad hearing you had to leave Idol. I love your voice and I think you would have won. I hope whatever came up to make you leave isn't serious and I wish you the best.....hoping you'll be able to compete again. You have a awesomely rare voice and I would love to hear it again. Take care and be safe.
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O
You were are favorite
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G
Omg I love you Wyatt!! Good luck and god bless
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I will be awaiting your inevitable return and cannot wait to buy your first album!
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P
You would have won brother. Such a rare and smooth voice. I hope god blesses you and your family
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C
Oh no wyatt! Best wishes to you and family. U will be missed. What a wonderful journey u have had. May it only be delayed for you. Good luck, u are so talented!
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God bless you on your journey in life and I pray that for what ever reason you had to leave isn't life changing for you or your family . Family comes first so you take care of them and we'll all still be here for you when you get back because you're a gift for us and we love you 🤗❤🙏
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M
This is very strange... I think he wanted to sing a quiet song and the producers had another idea and told him to just do what they say or leave. Then he chose to leave. I don´t think people realize the contestants might not be able to pick their songs. Or what they wear or their make-up etc - you got the picture. It´s all about some image they want to sell... The rights to all the songs must be cleared months before the show starts, so those kids are assigned songs - I think. And that´s the catch, I think the ones who get the best songs are the ones the show wants to move on to the finals. Sure, the audience picks the winner, but I think there´s some sort of unnatural selection behind the scenes in favor of whomever has the most hits on social media or something like that. The producers never really talk to the audience about how the show works, what happened to those who were left behind, what was the criteria to cut them off. Some of them are covered, but others are not, why all the mystery? I know after doing some research that Benson - who did an excellent audition - chose to not go on with the show because he got some job offer to work for some professional band, so... Anyhow, going back to the song choice, I don´t believe Cassandra would ever choose those terrible songs on her own, so we shall see. I don´t think Wyatt would´ve gone far anyway, so good to hear he´s fine, with his family...
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