‘American Idol’ Recap: Frontrunner Kenedi Anderson Drops Out Due To ‘Personal Reasons’

Ryan Seacrest interrupted the April 11 episode of ‘American Idol’ with a shocking update: Kenedi Anderson has dropped out of the competition.

American Idol season 20 just had its first shocking moment. Platinum Ticket winner Kenedi Anderson has left the competition. Ryan Seacrest made a special announcement during the pre-taped episode. Kenedi had just performed a fantastic rendition of “Human” by Christina Perri.

“You might have noticed that there was no voting information during Kenedi’s performance just now,” Ryan said. “Since we taped these shows in Hawaii earlier, Kenedi has decided to withdraw from our show for personal reasons. We send her well wishes.”

Kenedi Anderson Leaves ‘Idol’

A source close to the show said, “We are disappointed to see Kenedi leave, but we are excited to watch this celebratory 20th season unfold with the incredible talent vying to be the next American Idol.”

Kenedi became an instant frontrunner when she auditioned with her stripped-down rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Applause.” The judges awarded her the second Platinum Ticket, which allowed her to bypass the first round of Hollywood Week.

Prior to the Kenedi shocker, Cadence Baker kicked off the night with a solid rendition of “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” by Etta James. Luke Bryan said that this was Cadence’s best performance “since her audition.” Lionel Richie and Katy Perry agreed. “I thought that was just fantastic,’ Lionel raved.

Sir Blayke hit the stage next with his rendition of The Script’s “Breakeven.” Katy told Sir Blayke that he showed off vocals they didn’t know he had. Luke noted that Sir Blayke really “upped” his game with this performance.

Allegra Miles Takes On Harry Styles

The Voice alum Allegra Miles put a unique twist on “Adore You” by Harry Styles. The performance was a little uneven at times, but you have to admire her creativity. Luke loves Allegra’s voice but told her to “open up” her voice “a little more and enunciate a little better.” Lionel commended Allegra for having such a style whenever she steps on stage.

Lady K took the stage to sing Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats.” The performance was definitely in the middle of the pack, and Luke admitted that he wants to “hear more of that angst” from Lady K going forward. Ava Maybee pushed herself out of her “comfort zone” by singing Chaka Khan’s “Tell Me Something Good.” Lionel raved that Ava’s performance was “pretty risky, but you took care of business.”

Country boy Noah Thompson performed “Blue Side of the Mountain” by The SteelDrivers. Katy noted that the performance was “solid” but wants Noah to give more stage presence. Luke pointed out that if Noah finds that “sweet spot” he could win the whole competition.

Leah Marlene upped the ante with her rousing rendition of “Call Me” by Blondie. Lionel declared that Leah is “in a lane all by” herself in this competition. There’s no one quite like Leah! Katy, who definitely recognizes some of her quirky self in Leah, said the singer is “one of kind for sure.”

Cameron Whitcomb unleashed all his energy during his performance of “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. He didn’t exactly listen to mentor Bebe Rexha’s advice, and the performance came off a little too over-the-top and forced. Lionel acknowledged that Cameron needs to calm things down and spread it out over multiple performances.

Katyrah Love Brings Her A-Game

Christian Guardino took the stage for a soulful rendition of Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open.” Katy told Christian, “When you sing you become a superhero.” Luke gushed that Christian has a “super endearing” quality and has “all the talent, all the tools,” but he’s just got to continue to be smart about his tactics in his performances.

Katyrah Love’s “Blame It On The Boogie” performance was absolutely sensational. Luke commented that “everything felt natural” about Katyrah’s performance. Katy loved that Katyrah listened to the judges about having more control of her performance.

The final performance of the night was Fritz Hager. He performed “Waves” by Dean Lewis. Luke said that the judges got to see “different depths” of who Fritz is as a singer. While his vocals weren’t perfect, Luke admitted that he sees so much potential in Fritz.