Why Caleb Kennedy withdrew from American Idol, revealed

CALEB Kennedy made his way to ‘American Idol’s top five before being forced to quit the show after a controversial video surfaced online on May 12, 2021.

The teen, who could be seen seated next to a person wearing what appeared to be a Ku Klux Klan hood, announced his departure from the hit competition via social media.

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Who is Caleb Kennedy?

Kennedy was born in Roebuck, a small town in South Carolina, on October 21, 2004.

The teen country singer played junior varsity football at Dorman High School before giving up the sport to pursue American Idol.

He made it to the top five in the competition during the show's 2021 season, in which Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie served as judges.  

However, before he got his chance in the spotlight, a video of Caleb went viral, causing him to leave the singing contest.

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Why did Caleb Kennedy leave American Idol?

The country music singer's journey began on American Idol in October 2020 when he was selected to audition live for the judges as one of 64 who were virtually picked due to coronavirus restrictions.

He made his way with his original song When You Leave Tonight.

But after making it through to the top five, a video of Caleb from years earlier, when he was 12 years old, surfaced.

In the video, Caleb is seen next to a friend who appears to be wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood.

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The video sparked outrage, and Caleb was forced to leave the show.

Caleb announced on Instagram that he wouldn't be continuing with the competition.

His post read: “I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse.

“I know this has hurt and disappointed a lot of people and made people lose respect for me. I’m so sorry!

"I pray that I can one day regain your trust in who I am and have your respect! Thank you for supporting me.”

Caleb's mother, Anita Guy, told the Herald-Journal that the video was of Caleb and his friend imitating the characters from the movie The Strangers: Prey at Night.

She said: "It had nothing to do with the Ku Klux Klan, but I know that's how it looks.

"Caleb doesn't have a racist bone in his body. He loves everyone and has friends of all races."

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How did the judges react to Caleb's departure?

Lionel Richie said: “A lot of times, we grow up and we make mistakes and we look at our life behind us many times and we say, ‘God, what was I thinking about when I did that?’

"This was one of those situations where we kind of gave him a big hug from the three of us. He definitely has a talent.

"The problem is, this is one of those unfortunate decisions that had to be made and we move on, but this will be remembered in his lifetime and he’ll know what it’s all about.”

Luke Bryan added: “First and foremost, as judges we love these kids. We get emotionally involved in these kids.

"We want the best for Caleb.

"As far as the nuances on how ABC gets viewed, either way, decisions got made and it’s our job as judges to show up and do our best job and comment on the kids who are in front of us.

"But we wish nothing but the best for Caleb.”