Kenedi Anderson

ABOUT KENEDI ANDERSON

Singer known for appearing in season 20 of American Idol in 2022. She surprised fans when she suddenly departed due to undisclosed personal reasons. She auditioned for the series with Lady Gaga 's "Applause." The judges awarded her one of three platinum tickets, sending her to Hollywood Week and past the first round of cuts.

She attended Western Albemarle High School in Albemarle County, Virginia.

Her American Idol audition earned over 5 million views on YouTube. She became a favorite to win the competition. She wrote on Instagram that leaving the series was "one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make, but I know it's necessary."

Her father, Justin Anderson, coached at East Carolina University . He also had an administrative support role at Brigham Young University , where he played college football.

She performed for American Idol judges Lionel Richie , Luke Bryan , and Katy Perry .