A Utahn who made the top 12 on “American Idol” quit the show because of “personal reasons.”
Wyatt Pike is unexpectedly home in Park City for reasons that have not been explained. In Monday’s live episode on ABC, “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest told viewers, “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.”
The 20-year-old Pike would have advanced to the next round of the singing competition, according to Seacrest. A spokesperson for the show told People magazine, “Wyatt could not continue due to personal reasons.”
Days before he exited, Pike told The Salt Lake Tribune, “The stakes are getting higher, but I’m not really feeling that pressure. I’m just focusing on my performance, and that’s getting easier because everything revolving around the performances is just getting smoother and less scary.”
In a taped episode of “American Idol” that aired Sunday night, Pike advanced to the top 16 and performed “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon. Judge Katy Perry told him, “You do have a little bit of an angle in this competition that you’re an authentic singer-songwriter.” Judge Lionel Richie told the Utahn, “You’re on your way to something big, my friend.”
“I’m telling you, Wyatt, you are going to be able to do music for the rest of your life,” judge Luke Bryan told Pike.
(Bryan was absent from Monday’s episode after testing positive for COVID-19, and former judge Paula Abdul filled in for him.)
With Pike’s unexpected and unexplained exit, there are no Utahns remaining on this season of “American Idol.” Liahona Olayan, 16, of Vineyard, made it to the top 16 but was eliminated in Sunday’s episode.
