‘American Idol’ 2021: Why did Wyatt Pike drop out?

Monday’s episode of “American Idol” was full of surprises.

At the beginning of the episode, which revealed the top 12 “Idol” singers, host Ryan Seacrest announced that “Idol” judge Luke Bryan had tested positive for COVID-19. Bryan replaced Paula Abdul – a former ‘Idol’ judge who saw the rise of superstars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and David Archuleta.

A few minutes later, Seacrest dropped an arguably even bigger bombshell: Wyatt Pike, a 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Park City, Utah, had made it to the top 12. But he had also left the competition.

“Before we get to the results, I have to tell you that finalist Wyatt Pike will not participate in the competition,” Seacrest said on Monday’s episode. “He had to drop out, but we wish him all the best.”

The announcement came as a shock to “Idol” fans:

So much drama in the first minutes of #American idol there’s no way to focus on the music tonight. ✅Luke Bryan out with COVID. Paula Abdul is a guest judge. “Seacreast makes a passing comment that Wyatt Pike has fallen out without explanation”#SWLAABC

– Ben Terry (@BenTerryKPLC) April 13, 2021

Why did Wyatt Pike leave ‘American Idol’?

Pike’s departure from the show was unexpected – just hours before Monday night’s episode, ‘Idol’ tweeted his support of the other participants, including Pike.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for ‘American Idol’ told Deseret News that Pike was ‘unable to continue for personal reasons’.
“We cannot respond further,” said the spokesman.
Deseret News also contacted Pike, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Sunday episode of ‘Idol’ was pre-recorded, while Monday’s episode featured the first live performances of the season, People reported. A few days before Monday’s episode, Pike had a message on Instagram saying he missed his home in Park City.
“Something to feel this through: at home,” he wrote. Grateful for the roller coaster I’m on today. “

Did Wyatt Pike have a chance to win ‘American Idol’?

Pike was a favorite among the judges and fans. For what would eventually become his final performance on “Idol”, which aired Sunday night, Pike performed Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” and garnered high praise from the judges.
“I remember one of the coolest things that ever happened to me, the day I realized I could make music forever, under any circumstances,” Bryan said, according to Deseret News. “And I’m telling you, Wyatt, you’ll be able to make music for the rest of your life.”

That was a great compliment to Pike, a musician who left business school to pursue his passion for music, the Deseret News reported.
On that same episode, “Idol” judge Katy Perry said she hoped Pike would continue in the league and that she wanted to see a more vulnerable performance from him.
“I really believe in you,” she said. “I think no matter what happens – it’s you.”

Wyatt Pike’s History on ‘American Idol’

During his time on “Idol”, Pike impressed judges with his unique style and authenticity. During his audition, ‘Idol’ judge Lionel Richie called him a ‘Park City James Taylor,’ reported the Deseret News.
Pike told Deseret News that he felt overwhelmed in the best way when he auditioned for ‘American Idol’ when he walked into a large room to meet the ‘Idol’ judges.
“Wow, this really happened. Someone said ‘yes’ I was here, ”Pike recalled what I thought. “That in itself – I felt super grateful that I got that chance.”

Below are all of Pike’s performances on “Idol”: