Why did Kelly leave American Idol?

American Idol’s Top 5 just became a Top 4. Finalist Caleb Kennedy has left the show after a racist Snapchat video featuring Kennedy sitting next to someone appearing to wear a Ku Klux Kan hood made the rounds on social media. American Idol confirmed the 16-year-old Kennedy’s exit in a statement to People, saying, “American Idol contestant Caleb Kennedy will no longer be moving forward in the competition.” Recently eliminated contestants Arthur Gunn and Hunter Metts will not be returning to the singing competition to replace Kennedy; instead, Sunday’s episode will feature the remaining four semifinalists, Chayce Beckham, Casey Bishop, Grace Kinstler, and Willie Spence, one of whom will be eliminated.

In the video, Kennedy is seen allegedly sitting beside a person wearing a KKK-style hood, a historic symbol of white domestic terrorism and racism. In an Instagram post, Kennedy revealed that he was leaving the singing competition, writing, “There was a video that surfaced on the internet and it displayed actions that were not meant to be taken in that way.” The South Carolinian continued, “I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse. I wanna say sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down.” 

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Kennedy’s mother, Anita Guy, told the Spartanburg Herald-Journal that Kennedy doesn’t have “a racist bone in his body,” and that the video has been misinterpreted. “This video was taken after Caleb had watched the movie The Strangers: Prey at Night, and they were imitating those characters,” Guy maintained. “He loves everyone and has friends of all races.” A slasher film from 2018 starring Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, The Strangers: Prey at Night depicts people wearing white face masks and head coverings, albeit in different shapes and styles than the one clearly depicted in the alleged video of Kennedy.    

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A country singer, Kennedy gained popularity with judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan and carved a niche out for himself with his songwriting ability, often performing original compositions like “Nowhere,” which earned him a golden ticket to Hollywood. After his initial audition, Perry said, “You better finish that song ‘Nowhere,’ because that song is going to take you somewhere.” 

Kennedy is not the first American Idol contestant this season to leave the show unexpectedly or face controversy. Claudia Conway, the TikTok-famous daughter of former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway and Project Lincoln cofounder George Conway, was eliminated during Hollywood week following an alleged nude-photo scandal involving her mother. Contestant Wyatt Pike abruptly exited the show for “personal reasons” after making the Top 12, sparking rumors of a physical altercation between himself and Luke Bryan. Meanwhile, after his elimination, country singer Cecil Ray Baker was arrested and charged with burglary of habitation with intent to commit assault after allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend Mariah Lopez’s house and striking her in the face, according to reports. Per People, he was released on a $15,000 bond the day of his arrest; the outlet says that it was not clear whether he had entered a plea deal at the time.    

Missing her — but moving forward. Ever since Kenedi Anderson wowed the American Idol judges with her audition, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie haven’t been able to hold back their emotions when it comes to the young singer — even after she abruptly left the competition show in April 2022.

“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,” the Virginia native shared via Instagram after the singing competition aired the episode containing her top 24 performance of “Human” by Christina Perri. ”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.”

Host Ryan Seacrest was the first to announce Anderson’s departure, explaining why there was no voting information for her during the episode.

“We send her well wishes,” the longtime emcee said, noting that “Kenedi has decided to withdraw from our show for personal reasons.”

Her exit came as a shock to viewers, who were first introduced to the aspiring artist when her Idol audition aired in March 2022.

During her audition, Anderson performed a stripped-down version of Lady Gaga’s “Applause” for the judges, accompanying herself on piano as well. With those first notes, she left Perry, Bryan and Richie in awe of her talent. While the trio smiled and gasped throughout her performance, it was their effusive comments afterward that helped to cement her as a frontrunner in the competition from the get-go.

“My head is spinning,” the country artist gushed, calling the teen a “five-star recruit.” Meanwhile, the “Firework” singer asked the teenager about the name of her fanbase, immediately declaring herself a “Keni Cat.” For his part, Richie let out a “Hallelujah!” in praise of her talent. All three judges not only sent Anderson to Hollywood, but they gave her the coveted platinum ticket, too.

Anderson went on to compete in three more episodes. After her departure, a source close to production told Us Weekly that the show was “disappointed to see Kenedi leave,” which the judges later echoed.

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