Wyatt Pike Breaks Silence After Suddenly Dropping Out of 'American Idol'

Wyatt Pike is opening up for the first time since shocking fans by leaving American Idol.

The 20-year-old singer updated fans with a post on Wednesday (April 14) to his Instagram.

“I had to leave the @AmericanIdol competition for personal reasons but am so thankful I get to play music for the rest of my life. Fellow contestants – miss you all, good luck! Thank you to everyone for your support… do stick around for more musical things soon! 💙” he wrote on Instagram.

“You are so special Wyatt – JUST THE BEGINNING BABY!!!! Can’t wait to see you soon. You are A GEM in every since [sp] of the word,” wrote finalist Madison Watkins.

“wish you the best of luck in everything you do,” added contestant Alanis Sophia.

Wyatt was a contestant in the Top 16 of American Idol‘s current season, and unexpectedly dropped out of the show. The news was announced by host Ryan Seacrest at the start of an episode, during which the Top 12 singers were revealed.

“Before we get to the results, I have to tell you that finalist Wyatt Pike will not be competing in the competition. He had to drop out, but we wish him the very best,” Ryan said. No other details were revealed during the show at that time.

Wyatt never officially made the Top 12, as incorrectly reported elsewhere. He performed as part of the Top 16, but they announced his departure before they announced the Top 12.

See what he had posted days before the announcement.