Why Did Fan-Favorite Wyatt Pike Drop Out of ‘American Idol’?

Last night’s episode of American Idol was full of twists and turns that will shake up the competition moving forward. Early standout Wyatt Pike was missing from the show sending fans into a frenzy to find out what happened to the 20-year-old Utah singer.

Wyatt Pike Drops Out of ‘American Idol’

Ryan Seacrest opened last night’s show with a brief disclaimer about Pike’s absence.

“I have to tell you that finalist Wyatt Pike will not be competing in the competition,” he said. “He had to drop out.  But we wish him the very best.” 

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After that, viewers were not given any further information. They took to Twitter to voice their concerns and curiosities. He had quite the fanbase rooting for him including the love of his hometown, Park City.

Some fan theories include that Pike got a record deal and will no longer be in the competition. Other’s believe that he went home to Utah for an unauthorized visit which broke American Idol COVID-19 protocols.

Five days ago, Pike posted an Instagram picture back at home.

“Something to feel this through: home. Thankful for the rollercoaster I’m on today,” he captioned the post. American Idol is currently filming in California.

“Wyatt could not continue due to personal reasons,” a rep for American Idol told People Magazine.

This news certainly comes as a shock as Pike was one of the frontrunners in the competition, even considered a new dark horse.

Pike’s Last Performance on the Show Left Judges Singing His Praises

Pike last performed “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon on Sunday night’s pre-recorded episode. Monday’s episode, where the group of contestants was cut down to 12, featured the first live performances of the season.

“I remember one of the coolest things ever happened to me is the day I realized that I get to do music forever, under any circumstance,” Luke Bryan Tweeted to Pike after his last performance on the show.

“I’m telling you, Wyatt, you are going to be able to do music for the rest of your life.”

“I think you do have a little bit of an angle in this competition that you’re an authentic singer-songwriter,” Katy Perry told him. “I really believe in you, I think, whatever happens, you’re it!” 

“You have a style on stage that we like to watch,” Lionel Richie said. “And to watch you take that song and make it your song, you’re on your way to something big, my friend.”

SEE ALSO: ARTHUR GUNN, OTHER FAVORITES RETURNING TO ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FOR MAJOR TWIST

Pike has not yet addressed his absence from the show. Along with Pike leaving the competition, fans were thrown for a loop when Bryan announced that he has COVID-19 and would miss the first live episode.

Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul filled in for him on the panel and certainly made her presence known with some bizarre comments about Simon Cowell.