Kevin Gullage performs during the Showstopper round on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
No doubt, American Idol compiled a talented Top 24 for Season 20.
But two of the artists who had impressed me the most — Morgan Gruber and Kevin Gullage — did not make the cut.
Both were among my Top 2 from their respective audition episodes. Morgan sounded fantastic during her Hollywood duet with Jay Copeland. Kevin came off as a pro every time Idol aired one of his performances.
So, were they cut because of their showstopper performances?
Viewers have no way of knowing. Neither aired.
Nor did their “final judgment” in front of the Idol judges.
Both singers addressed their eliminations on social media.
Morgan, 17, of Fombell, Pa. writes: “I just want everyone to know that I did not make it to the top 24. They will not be airing my performance. I am so thankful for this amazing journey that @americanidol has given me!!! I’ve met so many amazing people and I’m so thankful for this opportunity! This isn’t the last of #morgangruber.”
Kevin, 23, New Orleans, went into considerably more depth, in a very classy manner too: “So, about what happened… I was not disqualified. I was eliminated. Just like a lot of other contestants. American Idol is an amazing opportunity for musicians all around. I met so many great performers and singers. Also, I got to share my gift with all of you out there. There was no drama. There was no issue off camera. The issue was what was on camera.
“I’ve been on stages since I was around 14 years old. I’ve been brought up around amazing entertainers since I was born. The culmination of the lessons and upbringing I’ve lived for 23 years will come out on every stage I walk on to. That’s how I leave it all on the stage. Sometimes that way of being can- how do you say- go beyond what a show like American Idol might need.
“With that being said: ‘How was my showstopper?’ Amazing, I guarantee you. ‘Why did they let you go?’ Idol wasn’t the stage meant for me. I could never argue that. ‘Were you disqualified?’ No. Quite the opposite!
“‘I’m going to stop watching!’ Please don’t stop watching American Idol! It’s an opportunity for future musicians (as well as the current contestants) to reach levels of themselves and this business that they might not get to reach without it!”
Kevin already has music out. You can learn more about that here. Morgan, it appears, does not. Here’s hoping that changes in the not-too-distant future.
Morgan Gruber performs during the Showstopper round on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
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