Formerly, she has lived her dreams from a joyful childhood to living it. American IdolHopeful Kenedi Anderson has already lived a full life — and she’s still just a teen.
“Having a big family has helped me a lot. I’m one of six children and second oldest,” the singer revealed during her audition for season 20 of the singing competition series, which aired in April 2022. She added, “We’re all pretty close, but we’ve been through a lot together. Everyone in my family is really athletic, and I’m the musical one.”
The pianist who stunned all three judges by her performance of Lady Gaga’s “Applause” — in which she sang and accompanied herself on piano — shocked everyone once more when she decided to leave the show only four episodes in.
Long-term host Ryan Seacrest announced her departure later that month, noting they didn’t have any voting information for Anderson because she was no longer a contestant. Anderson, for her part, followed up with an Instagram statement.
“For personal reasons, I’m unable to continue on American Idol. This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I know it’s necessary,” she wrote at the time. “I’m so grateful to American Idol, the judges, the producers, the amazing contestants, and all the fans who have supported me. Thank you for giving me such an amazing opportunity to share my voice, chase my dreams, feel so much joy and happiness doing what I love, and make lifelong friends along the way.”
The Virginia resident has yet not to give a reason for her abrupt departure. Judge Luke BryanWe discussed the pressures that contestants face.
“These kids, they got a lot coming at ’em,” he told USA TodayAnderson was specifically mentioned in April 2022. “I think, potentially for [Anderson’s]As important as the climb to the top or the career she has, her being part of our family is just as important. But, if you’re having doubts and anxieties and other things … we’re heartbroken as a show because she was so dynamic and great.”
Despite her early exit from the series, reality star has already achieved many milestones. Two days after her departure, she was back. American IdolShe released a small fragment of a song via TikTok. She attended her senior prom the following month and graduated high school in June 2022.
“No more school for meee hehehe #graduation,” she captioned a series of Instagram photos from the event.
Keep scrolling to see Anderson’s transformation through the years:
