Former American Idol contestant Kenedi Anderson has already lived a full life — and she’s still a teen — from a fun-filled childhood to living out her dreams.
“I’ve benefited greatly from having a large family.” “I’m the second oldest of six children,” the singer said during her audition for season 20 of the singing competition series, which will air in April 2022. “We’re all pretty close,” she continued, “but we’ve been through a lot.” My entire family is extremely athletic, and I am the musical member.”
The pianist, who stunned all three judges with her rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Applause,” in which she sang and played piano, shocked everyone again when she abruptly left the show after only four episodes.
Later that month, longtime host Ryan Seacrest announced Anderson’s departure, noting that because she was no longer a contestant, they didn’t have any voting information for her. Anderson, for her part, issued a statement on Instagram the following day.
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“I’m unable to stay on American Idol due to personal reasons.” “This is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make,” she wrote at the time. “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to American Idol, the judges, the producers, the incredible contestants, and all of the fans who have cheered me on.” Thank you for providing me with such an incredible opportunity to share my voice, pursue my dreams, experience so much joy and happiness doing what I love, and make lifelong friends.”
Judge Luke Bryan discussed the pressures that contestants face, while the Virginia resident has yet to reveal the reason for her abrupt exit.
He told USA Today in April 2022, “These kids, they’ve got a lot coming at ’em.” “I believe that [Anderson’s] being a part of our family is as good as the route or the way to the top can be for her career.” However, if you’re having doubts, anxieties, or other concerns, we’re devastated as a show because she was so dynamic and wonderful.”
Despite leaving the show early, the reality star has already achieved a number of achievements. She released a snippet of a song on TikTok just two days after she left American Idol. She graduated from high school in June 2022, after attending her senior prom the following month.
She captioned a series of Instagram photos from the event, “No more school for meee hehehe #graduation,” she wrote.
Continue reading to see how Anderson has changed over time: