Wyatt Pike finally speaks out about his shocking surprise exit from ‘American Idol’ – and he pulls the party.
Frustrated fans of the self-proclaimed ’20-year-old Utah child ‘may not expect too much relief from his first official statement.
“I had to leave the @AmericanIdol competition for personal reasons, but I’m so grateful I can play music for the rest of my life,” Pike posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “Competitors – miss you all, good luck!”
This vague announcement is a lot of parrots the show reps told The Post earlier this week when Pike quit before the top 12 were announced.
“Wyatt could not continue for personal reasons, and we can not comment further,” was the official word Tuesday.
Reps to Pike, however, declined to comment because rumors circulating on social media that he had broken COVID-19 restrictions on flying home spread like a digital wildfire.
The mysterious departure comes on the heels of the young artist’s show-stopping moment: At Sunday’s preview, Pike captivated the judging panel with his confident rendition of the Kings of Leon’s hit “Use Somebody” in 2008.
“Before we reach the results, I have to tell you that finalist Wyatt Pike will not be taking part in the competition,” host Ryan Seacrest, 46, announced Monday’s first live show of the season without ceremony. “He had to drop out – but we wish him the best, OK?”
After Pike’s last performance, Judge Lionel Richie (71) predicted that the young singer was on his way to ‘something big’. Meanwhile, Katy Perry, 36, has gone so far as to proclaim that Pike ” was an authentic singer-songwriter. I think whatever happens – you are it. ‘
Finally, Luke Bryan – who was out on Monday due to a positive COVID-19 test, with OG “AI” judge Paula Abdul filling in for him – now looks like a somewhat precocious statement.
“I remember one of the coolest things that ever happened to me was the day I realized I could do music forever, under any circumstances,” Bryan, 44, told Pike. “I tell you, Wyatt, you’ll be able to make music for the rest of your life.”
Pike seems to have taken Bryan’s words to heart.
And he did offer a glimmer of hope to his passionate fan in his most recent Insta message: “Thank you so much to everyone for your support … stay tuned for more musical stuff soon!”