'American Idol', Meet Julian Kalel, Eliminated From Top 11, Inside His Struggle With Mental Health

Julian Kalel was eliminated from American Idol Season 24 on April 6, 2026 (ET). He faced elimination for the Top 11. However, unfortunately, he and Jake Thistle didn't make the cut. While his elimination left his fans heartbroken, the singer has asserted that it is not the end of his journey. So, as American Idol says goodbye to Julian, let's take a look at his journey on the show.

Julian Kalel was eliminated from American Idol Season 24

The results for American Idol Season 24's Top 11 were delayed last week due to technical issues. However, as the show returned on April 6, 2026 (ET), the makers announced the two eliminations, abruptly ending Julian Kalel and Jake Thistle's journey. However, while the former's fans were not happy about the singer's exit, Julian has claimed that he is not anywhere near done and the fans will see more of him very soon. Following the elimination announcement, Julian Kalel took to his social media accounts and shared a monochrome photo of himself on the stage of American Idol Season 24. He penned a heartfelt caption along with the picture that read:

"Thank you for your votes, your voices, your support, and for believing in me since the very beginning. Journey ain't over yet, love every single one of y'all."

Why were the American Idol Season 24 Top 11 results delayed?

In the previous episode of American Idol Season 24, which aired on March 30, 2026 (ET), the eliminations were not revealed due to some technical errors. Last week marked the first live episode of the season. The contestants performed songs of faith for America's vote, following their trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii. The trip led to the elimination of six contestants, including Makiyah, Genevieve Heyward, and Kutter Bradley from Night 1.

However, that was not all: Abayomi, Madison Moon, and Ruby Rae from Night 2 were also eliminated during the episode. However, just as host Ryan was about to announce the final two eliminations, the show ran out of time. The makers of American Idol Season 24 revealed that it was because of an "unprecedented volume of votes across multiple platforms" that the results were delayed, leaving two contestants in limbo for an entire week.

Julian Kalel has previously appeared on American Idol Season 23

Before auditioning for American Idol Season 24, Julian Kalel also auditioned for Season 23. While his audition for the season never aired, a clip from his time in front of Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie was shown during his appearance at Season 24 auditions. He performed an original song titled Surrender, a song he explained was about the struggles of "anxiety and depression." At the time, Carrie told him, "I felt like I was at your show just now. I did." Lionel added, "It played like a record."

Luke Bryan declared that Julian Kalel was "a star." While all three judges said yes to Julian, giving him the ticket to Hollywood week. While Julian had called getting the golden ticket one of the "greatest moments of [his] life." That was as far as he went, though. Julian never made it to Hollywood Week, as he was "not able to continue forward." 

Why did Julian Kalel quit American Idol Season 23?

Julian Kalel's decision to quit American Idol Season 23 stemmed from his struggle with his mental health. At the time, the singer made the hard call to leave the show before Hollywood Week to focus on his mental well-being. "There were shared concerns about my ability to balance a journey like American Idol and my mental health," he revealed. Julian, who was a teenager at the time, explained that he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a freshman in high school. He revealed that things got so bad that he was questioning the "value of (his) life". He added that it was when mental health professionals got involved," and he decided to take a step back from the competition. He further admitted:

"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."

Julian Kalel's return to American Idol Season 24

Julian Kalel got the help that he needed and returned to American Idol Season 24 with renewed confidence. He sang his original song titled Lone Guitar, which he revealed that he "wrote at a crossroads when (he) was deciding whether or not to give up or keep going and found that it's as simple as 'stay one more day.' That's the message." The singer's impeccable talent earned him another golden ticket, Julian declared, "I want to spread my message. You are loved, and everyone is born enough. Everyone is, in fact, born enough." When he got to Hollywood Week, Julian said he felt "proud of (himself) for making it here." He added:

"I've done a lot of growing, a lot of learning, and so this year, I'm feeling much more prepared and confident."

What are your thoughts on Julian Kalel's journey on American Idol Season 24? Let us know.

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