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The competition on American Idol is heating up, with the show edging closer and closer to the live finals.
This week on American Idol the Top 24 have been competing at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii, hoping to impress the judges and secure the audience's vote at home to make it to the Top 20, then, hopefully, the highly-prized Top 14.
Platinum ticket winner and fan-favorite Kenedi Anderson continued to impress the judges and audiences at home with her performance of Christina Perri's "Human" on Monday. Sadly, fans of the 17-year-old were dealt a devastating blow shortly after her performance.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest had a message for viewers at home about Anderson's journey on the show.
Seacrest announced Anderson had withdrawn from the competition for "personal reasons."
He said: "You might have noticed that there was no voting information during Kenedi's performance just now.
"Since we taped these shows in Hawaii earlier, Kenedi has decided to withdraw from our show for personal reasons. We send her well wishes."
Taking to Instagram, Anderson addressed her departure from the competition.
She wrote: "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 make lifelong friends along the way."
Fans of Anderson's flocked to the comments to share their sadness she had left the competition.
One fan wrote: "so sad but sending you love" and another commented: "BABE YOU BETTER COME BACK! I hope everything's alright!!!"
A third fan wrote: "What??? Literally my fav. She could've won!"
In a statement to Newsweek, a representative for American Idol said: "We are disappointed to see Kenedi leave, but we are excited to watch this celebratory 20th season unfold with the incredible talent vying to be the next American Idol."
Anderson wowed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan during her audition with her performance of Lady Gaga's "Applause," sailing through to Hollywood on an exclusive platinum ticket.
During Hollywood week she continued to impress, but her journey came to an end at the Top 24 stage.
She is not the first contestant to pull out of the competition. Last year, 19-year-old Wyatt Pike left the series also citing "personal reasons".
American Idol airs Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
About the writer
Molli Mitchell is a Senior SEO TV and Film Newsweek Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on ... Read more