American Idol star Kenedi Anderson shocked audiences when he quit the competition after receiving a platinum ticket in 2022, and now he’s shocked fans once again after announcing a dramatic new career path.
The singer, 20, from Crozet, Virginia, took to Instagram to share her news: She revealed that she had decided to serve an 18-month full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before revealing it later on a TikTok. video that she will complete her mission in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“(It’s) the least I can do after everything God has blessed me with,” he wrote in his extensive Instagram post. “I hope to return as a more charitable and Christ-like person.”
Kenedi accompanied the post with a series of photos of her wearing blue jeans and a white short-sleeved button-down shirt, posing with the Book of Mormon.
The budding star, who left the show in season 20 of the talent show, added that she hopes to help others find “the joy and peace that I have found in this gospel.”
American Idol alum Kenedi Anderson shared her new career path in an Instagram post, revealing that she will be embarking on an 18-month mission.
Kenedi, who left season 20 of the talent show, added that he hopes to help others find “the joy and peace that I have found in this gospel.”
In a video shared on his TikTok, Kenedi filmed himself opening his mission letter, in which he discovered that he will serve in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“All I ever wanted to do with my music is help others feel healed and hear the way I felt those things through music,” he continued.
‘I hope this is one step closer to that goal. I really believe that this is where I’m supposed to be in my life right now and what I’m supposed to be doing.’
The singer went on to clarify that she is not leaving music and is working on releasing new music in the future.
‘I’m taking a break to focus on what God has called me to do, but I’ll be back before you know it!’ she wrote enthusiastically. ‘And you better believe I’ll be working harder than ever to put out music for all of you!!’
Kenedi added that “I can only speak for myself” and “not for my church.”
‘Not for my family. Not for my friends. But I believe in God. If you do it too, I respect you. If you don’t, I respect you,” he said.
Kenedi concluded his post passionately by writing that the God he believes in loves everyone.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, what you believe, what you stand for, how you express yourself, who you love, etc.,” the singer wrote.
“I hope we can all give love instead of hate,” he said. ‘I believe we can all live in peace in a world where we don’t have to agree on everything. But we should all respect and love each other despite our differences.’
Kenedi posted a series of photos on Instagram showing her holding the Book of Mormon while announcing her news.
After opening his mission letter, Kenedi learned that he will begin his mission on July 15.
Upon reaching the part of the letter that revealed that her missionary calling would take her to Honolulu, Kenedi let out a cry of joy before joyfully hugging her family members.
Kenedi said she is “grateful” to her fans and “hopeful” for the future.
‘I am so grateful for the life I am able to live and I intend to take advantage of every opportunity I have to live it to the fullest!! You also should! Take chances! Be brave! I love you.’
In a video later posted to his TikTok account, Kenedi shared more details about his mission by opening a letter from the church that revealed where he will serve.
“Dear Sister Anderson, you are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” she began to read, admitting that she was “so anxious I couldn’t even read.”
Sitting next to two young relatives, she proceeded to read the rules that missionaries must follow, including “leaving all personal matters behind” so they can “fully dedicate their time and attention to serving the Lord.”
Upon reaching the part of the letter that revealed that her missionary calling would take her to Honolulu, Kenedi let out a cry of joy before joyfully hugging her family members.
He then reveals that he will leave for his mission on July 15.
Kenedi’s posts attracted many comments from concerned followers, many of whom warned him against the missions.
‘Oh girl. This is heartbreaking. Following a child of God is amazing, but girl, please do more research,” one follower wrote.
Kenedi rose to fame after appearing on season 20 of American Idol. She withdrew from the talent show for ‘personal reasons’ (pictured performing in 2022)
The singer clarified that she will not leave music and that she is working on releasing new music in the future.
Kenedi’s post attracted many comments from concerned followers, many of whom warned him against missions.
Another shared: ‘The Bible is the truth! I love your mission, but you’re reading the wrong book!’
“It makes me so sad to see a woman like you being misled by this church,” said another. ‘It’s devastating. You are so young. I know you’re getting a lot of encouragement here, but please consider my comment. The church is not what you think it is.
‘So you have to give up a year and a half of your life and the guy who murders someone but confesses his sins and asks for forgiveness also goes to heaven?’ Someone help me understand,’ another person asked.
However, there were some who were more supportive, and several other missionaries expressed words of support for Kenedi.
‘THE SCREAM!!! Hahaha I love this so much! I had a similar reaction when I was called to Australia! You’re going to have a great time!’ one said.
‘Congratulations!! I went to BYU Hawaii for a while and saw missionary sisters all the time. You’ll love it there,” another chimed in.
Kenedi rose to fame after appearing on season 20 of American Idol. She withdrew from the talent show for “personal reasons.”
The then-teenager wowed the judges with her rendition of Lady Gaga’s Applause and received a coveted platinum ticket, allowing her to bypass several rounds of the competition.
Many had pegged her as the favorite to win after a series of impressive auditions in which judge Luke Bryan hailed her as “the biggest star we’ve ever seen.”
Kenedi has an active TikTok page where he has 512,000 followers.