For the first time ever, a former American Idol Top 10 finalist will audition in front of the judges for another shot at the crown.
Avalon Young left season 15–the final season on FOX in 2016–in 8th place. She revealed the news on Instagram, writing, “Thought second chances like this couldn’t come up,” the singer wrote. “i auditioned AGAIN for @americanidol. Tune in feb. 19th to see what happens love u”
The intervening years have been a rollercoaster for the young singer. She came out as LGBT shortly after leaving the show. That was a happy moment! The real challenge came in March 2021 when Avalon was diagnosed with Brain Cancer and underwent chemo and several gruelling brain surgeries.
Avalon underwent a risky 3rd rurgery while awake
For her third surgery, in August 2021, Avalon underwent under the knife while AWAKE. “Avalon will be sedated during the beginning of the surgery, then brought out of sedation to full consciousness, so she can interact with the Surgeon during the procedure,” Avalon’s mother explained on her GoFundMe page. “Our Psychologist will be attending and in the operating room with her.” The tumor sat very close to parts of the brain that controlled motor and speech skills. Very risky, but she came out of it without neurologica loss.
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More chemo and radiation
After the surgery, Avalon went through several more rounds of radiation and chemo. On January 6, 2022, the singer’s mother wrote: “Avalon has completed 6 weeks of Radiation and Chemo Therapy (Temador) concurrently with a new Clinical Trial Drug – CB 839. This treatment was difficult and challenging as Avalon’s white blood count dropped several times during the treatment, requiring her to stop and restart the chemo portion of the treatment.” She went on to say that Avalon would continue Chemo for one week every month, for the following 12 months, with on going MRI’s to monitor her tumor.
In the meantime, Avalon has been writing and releasing music. She’s got quite a story to tell, which she will undoubtedly share with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
ANY American Idol alum who didn’t win the show is eligible to audition again
Interestingly, ANY American Idol alum, other than the winner, can return to audition again! However, it’s Hollywood contestants and Showcase rejects like Season 19 winner Laine Hardy–cut before the semi-finals–whom the show typically casts again.
American Idol premieres on Sunday February 19 on ABC.
