American Idol’s Josh King landed in the hospital after frightening health event
Oh Noes. American Idol alum Josh King had a terrible weekend. He ended up in the hospital, the result of a frightening mystery ailment.
The American Idol 2025 Top 8 contestant was taking part in a songwriting retreat with a few of his Idol friends in Virginia, hosted by Idol alum Nina Daig. The first two days went well. But by the end of day 2, Josh began to feel a bit “iffy.” He went to sleep and woke up the next morning “entirely unable to move.” Josh describes it, “I was in such excruciating paint that I evacuated anything that remained in my stomach.” Yikes.
Josh woke up “entirely unable to move” Doctor said there was a “ton of strain” on his heart
Nina’s husband took Josh to the ER and he spent the remaining weekend hospitalized. He describes it, “My heart rate was a steady 125-130 bpm for most of Saturday (resting), and any ounce of movement hurt like hell,” he continued, “I don’t quite know what it was exactly. (Official diagnosis is SIRS, but even they were questioning that) But the doctor said there was a ton of strain on my heart as a result and I had to be monitored for the next two nights. The cause was a combination of things, dehydration, fatigue, stress, heat exhaustion, etc.”
Good news, Josh was released on Monday (June 9). He added, “If you are wondering why I haven’t posted much in the last few weeks. It’s because I have been severely unlucky regarding the state of my health.”
Josh praises his “Idol family” who were “there for me once again when I needed them.”
“Hell of a week,” he concludes.
He tags Grayson Torrence, Kamron Smith, Clara Rae, Skylie Marie Thompson and Trenton Wright in his post. Presumably, these are alums who took part in Nina’s songwriting retreat with Josh and helped him through the crisis.
Josh received a bunch of supportive comments alongside his post
Alongside Josh’s post, his fellow American Idol contestants left encouraging messages:
Kolbi Jordan: JOSH!!!!!! So blessed to hear that you are better. Please let me know if you need anything. Love you babe!
Desmond Roberts: So glad you’re alive man
Canaan James Hill: Glad to hear you’re okay brother! Love you man
Amanda Barise: Get well soon Josh !!
Che Chesterman: Wish you well brother
Breanna Nix: oh no! I’m happy you’re out!! Please rest though!!!
Josh King left American Idol in the Top 8
Airport pianist, Josh King impressed the judges in his audition with an original arrangement of Over the Rainbow at the piano. He mixed it up, covering songs from disparate genres. He impressed with ballads such as “You Are So Beautiful” and “All by Myself.” But he also regaled fans with crowd pleasers like “Never Gonna Give You Up,” and “I’m Still Standing.”
