Wyatt Pike finally speaks out about his shockingly surprising exit from “American Idol” – and he’s dragging the party line.
Frustrated fans of the self-proclaimed “20-year-old Utah boy” shouldn’t expect too much relief from his first official statement.
“I had to leave the @ AmericanIdol competition for personal reasons, but I’m so grateful to be able to play music for the rest of my life,” Pike posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “Fellow participants – miss you all, good luck!”
This vague announcement pretty much parrots what show reps told The Post earlier this week when Pike dropped out just before the top 12 was announced.
“Wyatt was unable to continue for personal reasons, and we cannot respond any further,” the official word said on Tuesday.
Representatives for Pike declined to comment, however, as rumors on social media that he violated COVID-19 restrictions to fly home spread like digital wildfire.
The mysterious departure came on the heels of the young performer’s show moment: on Sunday’s pre-recorded show, Pike stunned judges with his confident rendition of the Kings of Leon’s 2008 hit ‘Use Somebody’.
“Before we get to the results, I have to tell you that finalist Wyatt Pike will not be competing in the competition,” host Ryan Seacrest, 46, announced without ceremony on the first live show of the season on Monday. “He had to drop out – but we wish him all the best, okay?”
After Pike’s last performance, 71-year-old judge Lionel Richie predicted the young singer was on the way to ‘something big’. Meanwhile, Katy Perry, 36, went so far as to claim that Pike was “an authentic singer-writer.” I guess whatever happens – it’s you. “
Finally, Luke Bryan – who was off Monday due to a positive COVID-19 test, with OG “AI” judge Paula Abdul filling in – made what now seems like a somewhat forward-looking statement.
“I remember one of the coolest things that ever happened to me was the day I realized I could make music forever, under any circumstances,” Bryan, 44, told Pike. “I’m telling you, Wyatt, you’ll be able to make music for the rest of your life.”
Pike seems to have taken Bryan’s words to heart.
And he offered a taste of his passionate fan base in his most recent Insta post: “Thanks everyone for your support … stay tuned for more musical stuff soon!”