Why did Julian Kalel quit 'American Idol' Season 23? Was it because of his mental health issues? Here's everything to know.
Julian Kalel has been one of the top 30 contestants in American Idol Season 24. He had already impressed the judges with his original song in his audition round. He had showcased his talent with a Bonnie Raitt hit when the Hollywood week had taken place and then earned a spot in the next leg of the competition. However, do you know that it is not the first time Julian Kalel has come on the sets of American Idol? He was also seen in Season 23 of the singing reality show competition. However, did Julian quit the show due to mental health issues?
A report by the TV Insider.com mentioned that Julian Kalel had decided to quit American Idol Season 23 as he wanted to focus on his mental health. For the unversed, he left the show even before the Hollywood Week of American Idol Season 23 had started, and revealed that there were shared concerns about his ability to balance a journey like American Idol with his mental health. Things had gone so bad for Julian that he had started questioning the value of his life. It was at that time that mental health professionals got involved. Julian was diagnosed with anxiety and depression when he was a freshman back in school. The singer then decided to step back from American Idol Season 23. In the interview, Julian said:
"I had been struggling with those feelings for a big part of my life. Through elementary and middle school. For me, anxiety is just like a big wave crashing on you and you just drown."
Well, did you know that Julian Kalel was part of American Idol Season 23, but those episodes had never aired? Back then, he performed an original song called Surrender on Season 23 in front of judges- Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie. Julian had explained that his song spoke about struggles related to anxiety and depression. Carrie had shared that she felt like she was at Julian's show, while Lionel Richie had said he felt like the song played like a record. Luke Bryan had already declared Julian a star. All three stars had given a yes to Julian, who had got a golden ticket to the Hollywood Week. Bryan had also told Julian that he might win this thing, and for the singer, it was like one of the biggest moments of his life. Sadly, Julian could never make it to the Hollywood Week and was not able to sing on the sets of American Idol Season 23.
Julian revealed that he had received the help he needed, as during the auditions for American Idol Season 24, he had a new outlook. Julian had crooned the song titled "Lone Guitar," which he revealed he had penned when he was at a crossroads, deciding whether he wanted to give up or keep going in life. Julian Kalel has reached the Top 30 of American Idol Season 24. He had stepped away last season as he wanted to focus on his mental health, and now, in a statement, he shared of receiving just the most beautiful messages through TikTok, Instagram and Email. Julian had then found the path that told him to stay on for one more day, and in his words:
"That’s the message. I want to spread my message. You are loved and everyone is born enough. Everyone is, in fact, born enough. I’ve done a lot of growing, a lot of learning, and so this year, I’m feeling much more prepared and confident."
Why did Julian Kalel quit American Idol Season 23? Was it because of his mental health issues?
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