Mystery American Idol contestant who dropped out of 2023 competition is FINALLY revealed

American Idol fans were presented with an unexpected mystery on Monday evening after host Ryan Seacrest confirmed one of its current contestants had withdrawn from the competition – without revealing who.

The ABC show’s top 26 participants were unexpectedly reduced to 25 as a result of the departure, giving 16-year old Paige Anne an opportunity to rejoin as Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan‘s ‘first alternate.’

Paige, who was originally eliminated during the show’s Hollywood Wee following a closely fought sing-off with Megan Danielle, later admitted she was stunned to be recalled so suddenly.

‘I said goodbye to Idol and everything,’ the teenager told the judging panel. ‘Then I got invited back. Everything happens for a reason.’

Indeed, but who did she replace? The answer was soon provided, and the mystery promptly solved, in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday.

Taking to the social media platform, Beckett McDowell, 19, confirmed he was the aspiring singer who performed on show, only to drop out before his performances had even aired.

Sharing an Instagram story with followers, he wrote: ‘To all of you wondering, yes I was on @americanidol and I made the top 26.

‘I’m not going to say why I didn’t decided to continue in the competition but what I will say is that it was my choice.’

He added: I am forever grateful to my @americanidol family and I will always look back at the experience with the utmost gratitude and fondness.’

So who is Beckett McDowell? Well, far from being an obscure teenager with a natural talent for singing, he is a well-connected California native with some very famous family members.

Based in Ojai, a picturesque city in southern California’s Ventura County, Beckett is the son of legendary British actor Malcolm McDowell, best known for his starring role in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1971 film A Clockwork Orange.

He is the third of McDowell’s five children from two marriages, which also include filmmaker Charlie McDowell, Beckett’s older brother and husband of Emily In Paris star Lily Collins.

With Lily officially established as the young singer’s sister-in-law following her marriage to Charlie in 2021, he also has a familial connection to the actress’s celebrated father – Genesis frontman Phil Collins.

While it’s unknown if Phil has offered him any valuable advice, Beckett appears to be an accomplished musician in his own right and frequently shares photos and videos of himself playing the guitar on social media.

He also appears to be active on music streaming platform Spotify, where a handful of his songs – among them Wildfire, Weirdo and Pale Blue Eyes – are available to stream.

Recent social media updates from February suggest he’s been busy filming music videos and working in a professional looking studio, all while participating in American Idol.

The teenager also shares pictures of long-term girlfriend Launa Fiorello-Taylor from their various appearances at festivals and parties across southern California.

Beckett has been dating the pretty 19-year old since 2021,  and often makes his feelings for her known on his Instagram account, which boasts 5,238 followers.

In one such post, shared on their first anniversary as a couple, he wrote: ‘A WHOLE YEAR?! Holy shoot I can’t believe it’s been a whole year with you, that went so fast.

‘I love you launa, you continue to inspire me everyday and I can’t wait for a million more days with you. Happy anniversary baby, I love you so much.’

American Idol continues this Sunday, April 23, on ABC.