AMERICAN Idol frontrunner Wyatt Pike “did NOT” break Covid protocols that resulted in him being forced to drop out of the show, Trending In The News can reveal.
Viewers were shocked on Monday night as host Ryan Seacrest, 46, announced the fan-favorite contestant would no longer be part of the singing competition but offered no further explanation.
Many fans presumed the 20-year-old Utah native broke the show’s strict Covid protocols as his last social media post was of his Park City home.
However, multiple sources close to the musician confirmed that Wyatt did NOT fly home to Utah this week and has remained in Los Angeles where American Idol is filmed.
One insider claimed: “Wyatt took Covid very seriously even before the show. He knew the rules, he didn’t fly home.
“He wouldn’t have even had time with [Idol’s] schedule even if he wanted to but he’s definitely been in LA this whole time.”
A separate source close to the show explained: “Wyatt could not continue due to personal reasons” but could not comment further.
The talented rocker was last seen on Sunday night’s episode of the series – though it was filmed last week – and made it into the Top 12.
Monday’s show was the first to be filmed live – and with a live audience – of the season when it was briefly mentioned Wyatt had “dropped out.”
Last Wednesday, Wyatt uploaded two pictures that he tagged as being in Park City, Utah in the location.
One snap showed a snowy neighborhood from a nearby mountaintop while the other appeared to show Wyatt driving his Toyota down the icy streets.
“Something to feel this through: home. Thankful for the rollercoaster I’m on today,” he captioned the post.
Many fans assumed this was a sign he had flown home with hundreds commenting begging for clarification of his surprise departure.
Over the weekend, he responded to one of the questions on the post and maintained he was “looking through pictures” while “still in Los Angeles.”
At the top of last night’s drama-filled episode, host Ryan, 46, made the shocking announcement before the Top 12 finalists performed.
“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,” the TV personality said – offering no other details.
Fans were both shocked and devastated by his departure as the finalist was highly favored to win the entire season.
But many just wanted answers as the alarming announcement was moved on from so casually.
“Wait I actually wanna know ab Wyatt before we move on,” one person pleaded.
Another tweeted: “Wyatt did WHAT NOW?! And they explained it NOT AT ALL.”
“I can’t even focus on this damn show because IM SO UPSET ABOUT WYATT DROPPING OUT,” a third exclaimed.
The news comes just one day after Wyatt gave his best rendition of the Kings Of Leon’s hit, Use Somebody.
All three judges sung his praises and said his “authenticity” was apparent in having “a blast” on stage.
Country star Luke Bryan even told Wyatt that he has “no doubt” he will be a musical performer for “the rest of his life.”
