The twentieth season of American Idol is one of its most competitive contests in recent years, thanks in large part to the departure of former frontrunner Kenedi Anderson. At her initial audition, Kenedi, a 17-year-old Virginia native, was one of three recipients of the "Platinum Ticket," a spin on the traditional golden ticket to Hollywood to commemorate the show's twentieth season. The judges thought so highly of her talent that they believed she deserved the Platinum Ticket, which granted her a fast-pass through the first round of Hollywood week.

Kenedi continued to wow the judges during Hollywood week, making it through to the top 24 round before abruptly withdrawing from the show on her own volition before the live voting rounds began, citing personal reasons as the cause. Because she displayed clear winner potential, her exit sent shockwaves through much the Idol fandom and disappointed the Idol judges, who hoped to see her remain in the competition. Many fans speculated that Kenedi left the show to pursue more enticing career opportunities given her nascent fame and the buzz around her Idol performances. Much social media discussion has centered on the reputation of Idol recording contracts being constrictive and creatively stifling for the winners who sign with the show's 19 Entertainment label, 19 Recordings.

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Regardless of the reasons for Kenedi exiting the show, her absence has had a notable impact on how the season is playing out. Due to Kenedi's undeniable talent and marketability, she was as close to a guaranteed winner as a contestant can be at the top 24 stage of the competition. Of course, other contestants could have emerged to usurp her in the top spot, but Kenedi was far and away the obvious frontrunner. Though Idol fans won't get the opportunity watch more of her show-stopping performances on the show, Kenedi's unexpected Idol departure has opened up the competition in a major way. Since she left the competition, a cluster of major contenders has emerged, and the final stages of the season could play out in a number of ways.

American Idol Frontrunners Fritz Hager Noah Thompson

Among the current favorites to win include introspective Phillip Phillips fanatic Fritz Hager, humble dad Noah Thompson, country crooner Huntergirl, and vocal powerhouse Nicolina, who have expertly showcased their talents on the live shows. Some other contenders for the title are fellow finalists Leah Marlene, Ava Maybee, Christian Guardino, and Lady K, with a number of dark horse contestants also battling it out in the top 14. The talent on display in the live rounds is remarkable, and American Idol season 20 could go a number of ways depending on how the contestants perform in coming rounds.

Idol fans may have missed out on seeing Kenedi Anderson in the live rounds, but her withdrawal may have actually improved the season as a whole, as the end phase is much less predictable than it likely would have been had she remained in the competition. Kenedi's fans can take solace in the notion that she has a great shot at achieving music industry success with or without American Idol, but some of her former competitors are making strong cases for their own stardom as the show progresses. The quest for the Idol crown is anyone's game at this point, and the show is all the better for it.

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American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm EST on ABC.