KENEDI Anderson was quickly touted as a frontrunner and fan favorite of the 20th season of American Idol.
Despite earning a platinum ticket, the young singer pulled out of the competition.
Who is Kenedi Anderson?
Born March 4, 2004, Kenedi Anderson is an American musician who received a Platinum ticket on American Idol following her audition, singing Applause by Lady Gaga.
Judge Katy Perry joked she was "feeling threatened" by Kenedi's talent.
Kenedi went on to perform Lean on Me by Bill Withers, with Jordan Chase on Duets week.
For Showstoppers, she sang Bruno Mars' Talking to the Moon and made it through to the Top 24.
Read More on American Idol
Since joining the singing competition, Kenedi racked up over 115k followers on Instagram.
She also has a large following on TikTok, where she often shares videos of herself singing.
Why did Kenedi Anderson leave American Idol?
On April 11, 2022, episode of American Idol, fans were shocked as Kenedi withdrew from the competition.
Following Kenedi's performance of Christina Perri’s Human at the Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii, host Ryan Seacrest revealed during the program: “You will notice there was no voting information during Kenedi’s performance just now.
Most read in Celebrity
"Since we taped these shows in Hawaii earlier, Kenedi (or Kenedi Anderson) has chosen to withdraw from our show for personal reasons. We send her well wishes.”
Kenedi later confirmed her decision to leave the show on Instagram, saying: “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.
"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 making lifelong friends along the way.”
Though Kenedi left American Idol, her passion for music remains the same.
Anderson has recorded a song called Serve the Lord for the Christian musical group Strive to Be.
Did Kenedi Anderson win a Platinum Ticket?
On season 20 of American Idol, a new ticket has been introduced: Platinum.
Usually, when a contestant is voted through to Hollywood, they receive a Golden ticket.
This ensures they will have a chance to compete in the Hollywood rounds.
On Sunday, March 6, 2022, Kenedi shared a photo of herself holding the Platinum ticket to Instagram, writing: "I cannot believe I had #AMomentLikeThis. I GOT THE #PlatinumTicket AND IM HEADING TO HOLLYWOOD!!! Thanks so much, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie!"
Who is her dad?
Kenedi is the daughter of a former football player, Justin Anderson.
He is a coach for the East Carolina University football team, and also works as the university's Football Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting.
Prior to his coaching career, Justin was a wide receiver at Brigham Young University in Utah.
He previously played at Ricks College in Idaho.
Read More on The US Sun
The Platinum ticket, however, allows chosen contestants to bypass the first round of Hollywood Week.
According to host Ryan Seacrest, there are only three Platinum tickets available per season.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK57xKernqqklravucSnq2hsaGl9dIWVaK6hsV2gsq%2Bxw6JkmqaUmr%2B0u81mo56Zppp6ornEq6CcmZ5itqW7y2g%3D