Wyatt Pike has opened up about unexpectedly dropping out of American Idol for the first time.
Viewers were surprised to learn the 20-year-old finalist had withdrawn from the talent show during the latest episode on Monday (12 April).
The news was announced by host Ryan Seacrest, who 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.”
Pike, who is from Park City in Utah, was one of the favourites to win the show after reaching the top 12.
Breaking his silence on social media, the aspiring singer addressed quitting the series, telling his supporters it was due to “personal reasons”.
Pike didn’t elaborate, but said he is “so thankful I get to play music for the rest of my life”.
Lionel Richie, who recently appeared as a judge on the ABC series, told Pike after his performance of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody”: “You have a style on stage that we like to And to watch you take that song and make it your song – you’re on your way to something big, my friend.”
American Idol continues in the US on ABC at 9pm.
