American Idol season 19 contestant Wyatt Pike has dropped out of the competition, and fans were upset as soon as they heard the news. Pike made it all the way to the Top 16 and even competed in the final pre-recorded episode before the live shows began, performing Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody." Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie praised his performance, with Richie even going so far as to add, "You're on your way to something big."
This was only the second week of season 19 in which fans had the chance to vote for their favorites, following an American Idol Top 24 week packed with solo and duet performances. Pike sang Tate McRae's "Rubberband" for his solo round and teamed up with singer/songwriter/producer Ben Rector on the latter's hit song "Brand New."
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced at the top of Monday night's live episode that Pike would no longer be on the show despite qualifying for the Top 12. He 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." No specific reason was given, though a representative for American Idol told People, "Wyatt could not continue due to personal reasons." Five days before Seacrest made this announcement, Pike posted a photo on Instagram of a visit he took to his hometown of Park City, Utah. It is unclear if the visit has any connection to this news, but various Twitter users have expressed their shock on social media.
Some fans seem to assume Pike broke American Idol's COVID protocols by visiting Utah and was disqualified. To make the situation even more of a mystery, Pike himself has not posted anything on social media since the news broke Monday night. He still has a link in his Instagram bio to help American Idol fans vote for him. Depending on the reason for leaving, there might be a contractual issue preventing him from speaking out.
This isn't the only big news this week pertaining to the contestants. Several American Idol season 18 contestants will return to compete for a chance to be in the Top 10. Since a lot of fans assumed Pike would be in the Top 10, this new twist can now be used as a way to fill his expected Top 10 spot with someone else. This twist has been rumored for several weeks (but only officially announced on Monday), so it's unlikely it was created just to deal with an open spot on the show.
Pike may no longer be in the competition, but the remaining American Idol season 19 contestants are still competing. The Top 12, which includes two contestants (Madison Watkins and Beane) who were saved by the judges (including guest judge Paula Abdul, filling in for Bryan), are getting ready to perform Oscar-nominated songs for Sunday night.
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm on ABC.
Source: People, Wyatt Pike, Various (see above)