The latest episode of American Idol, Season 23, Episode 11 titled “Songs of Faith,”aired on ABC on April 20. This special three-hour Easter edition featured contestants performing songs that resonated deeply with their personal interpretations of faith.
At the conclusion of the episode, 20 out of the 24 contestants were able to advance to the next stage of the competition, while four singers faced elimination, necessitating their departure from the show.
Among those eliminated was MKY, who took to Instagram to express his heartfelt feelings about his journey on the show following the broadcast. In a black and white photo capturing his moment in the spotlight, he shared his gratitude for the experience.
“I’ll forever cherish these moments, memories & friends I’ve made on this journey, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to sing and represent LOS ÁNGELES on the national stage,”he wrote.
In the continuation of his message, MKY acknowledged the support and love he received throughout his time on American Idol, despite the disappointment of his elimination.
Meet MKY: An Overview of the American Idol Season 23 Contestant
MKY, a 25-year-old singer hailing from Los Angeles, entered the spotlight during the auditions in episode 3. His performances during the Disney Resort week won over the judges, securing him a place in the top 24.
However, MKY’s journey concluded in episode 11 as he struggled to make a vocal impression, resulting in his elimination just shy of the top 20.
Despite his disappointment, MKY embraced the honor of representing Los Angeles and expressed optimism for his future prospects in music.
During his audition, MKY discussed his rich musical heritage, borrowing inspiration from his family lineage. He shared about his great-uncle, Little Ray Jimenez, a pioneer among Chicano Mexican American R&B-soul artists in the 1960s. His grandfather, a member of a local soul group, also played a significant role in shaping his passion for music.
“My grandfather sang with a soul group called Tierra, and my dad sings R&B-soul. So it’s in me. My family has been chasing this dream, and they passed it on to me,” he explained.
In the Hollywood Week: Showstopper episode, aired on April 6, MKY impressed audiences by performing “Sabor a Mí”in Spanish. The show also highlighted his journey through a video segment that showcased his life in Los Angeles and the significance of his cultural identity.
In an insightful interview with LA’s Power 106, MKY revealed the struggles he faced prior to auditioning for American Idol. He contemplated stepping back from his musical aspirations due to a lack of visible progress, despite his dedication.
“There’s definitely dark times. I was just at a point where I’m like, ‘Either I can give up 10 years of hard work or I can keep going. And then the ‘American Idol’ opportunity came. But before that, I was like, ‘For sure I just need something because the world is not paying attention,'”he stated.
He concluded his thoughts with a commitment to authenticity in his artistry:
“I try to stay true to my art because it’s art at the end of the day, and I feel like the world will catch up eventually.”
New episodes of American Idol Season 23 air every Sunday and Monday on ABC, with subsequent episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.