Wyatt Pike "Drops Out" of American Idol

Idol host Ryan Seacrest made the announcement at the beginning of Monday night's show on ABC. "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 night before, 24 finalists were narrowed to 16 during a two hour broadcast. Pike was the second-to-last contestant in his group to advance. The judges complimented Pike's performance of "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. Katy Perry called him an "authentic singer songwriter" and implied he was a leader in the competition. Luke Bryan said Pike was going to "be able to do music for the rest of his life." And Lionel Richie said Pike had a style the judges liked to watch and the 20-year old was on his "way to something big."

As of late Monday evening, Pike has been silent about his departure from the show. The last activity from Pike on social media was a post he made last Wednesday with pictures of the Park City area, saying "Something to feel this through: home. Thankful for the rollercoaster I'm on today."

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