Kennedy Reid Bids Emotional Farewell To ‘American Idol’: ‘An Experience I Will Never Forget’

For her final performance, Reid sang a cover of Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood’s “Somethin’ Bad.”

Kennedy Reid; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

On Monday night, 23-year-old Kennedy Reid learned that her time on American Idol had come to an end.

Donning a sequin iridescent dress, rhinestone fringe jacket, and dazzling boots, Reid stepped on stage joining Host Ryan Seacrest, who revealed that after the nationwide vote, she was not selected to join the Top 14.
Kennedy Reid; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Delivering Her Final Performance

This season, Idol judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry have the chance save four lucky contestants who did not receive enough votes to move onto the next round. So as a last-ditch effort to stay in the competition, Reid sang her heart out to Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood’s “Somethin’ Bad.”

She gave the performance her all, letting her gritty vocals run free amid the hard-hitting, revengeful track and showcasing the true power of her stage presence.

“That is the way to deal with ‘no,’” Richie told her, beaming about the delivery she just gave them. “When American said ‘no,’ you said, ‘I don’t think so.’ That was clear. And by the way, your attitude, your personality, where you’re walking on that stage, had all the confidence in the world. I’m so proud of you. That’s how you do it.”

Celebrating The Bittersweet Ending With A Heartfelt Message

Despite the kind words and roaring applause from the audience, the performance was unfortunately not enough to earn Reid a vote from the judges. Although she will not be returning next week, the aspiring artist appeared to be in good spirits as she took to Instagram to honor her journey with a heartfelt message.

“Wow ya’ll! What a ride. It was definitely an experience I will never forget and while I’m sad that it’s over, I’m so excited to finally be breathing some fresh air. I can’t wait to grow as an artist without having to compete,” she shared honestly.
Kennedy Reid; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Reid went on to say that since starting her “wild” Idol journey almost a year ago, she has poured out lots of hard work and even shed some tears along the way, but it was all worth it for the experience and the hope she gained for the future of her career.

“Life is such a beautiful thing and I intend to live it to the fullest from here on out. I may not be the next American idol, but I feel like a winner in my heart,” she continued. “Out of 60,000 auditions, I made it to the final 20. That to me says enough. This is only the beginning of my music career and there are big things coming.”

She ended her message by saying thank you to all those who voted for her and who have shown their support along the way.

“Thank you so much to everyone who took the time out to vote and support me. I could never thank you enough. As a small town girl with virtually zero fan base when this all started, I never imagined I would even get enough votes to make it through any of the rounds, let alone all the way to the top 20. To say I was a finalist on the same show that Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia and Kelly Pickler were on is an absolute honor. You guys are the best and it wouldn’t be possible without my friends, family, fans and supporters. I love you all. Good night.”

American Idol will return to ABC on Sunday, April 21, when the Top 14 contestants perform. By the end of the episode, the Top 12 will be revealed.