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Many American Idol fans were left heartbroken on Monday, April 4, when the judges sent Kelsie Dolin home before the Top 24. The 18-year-old singer stole viewers’ hearts during her audition as a shy teen with a beautiful voice. However, as Kelsie continued her journey at Hollywood Week, she came out of her shell and showed what she could really do. She won’t move forward in the competition, but Kelsie left a changed person.

Kelsie Dolin performs on American Idol before the Top 24 Final Judgments
Kelsie Dolin performs on ‘American Idol.’ | Eric McCandless/ABC

‘American Idol’ fans fell in love with ‘diamond in the rough’ Kelsie Dolin

It all started in Austin, Texas, where Kelsie Dolin auditioned for American Idol in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. The Boone County, West Virginia, native revealed that she had never performed in public before due to stage fright. However, her grandmother had always encouraged her to showcase her voice. When Kelsie lost her grandmother to COVID-19 last year, she knew she had to audition for American Idol and make grandma proud.

Kelsie brought Lionel and many viewers to tears with her voice. She sang Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece By Piece” and Adele’s “When We Were Young.” Kelsie performed quietly and shyly at first, but Katy encouraged her to sing out. Her story and her pure, untouched talent quickly made Kelsie a favorite as she advanced to Hollywood Week.

As the competition ramped up, Kelsie nearly let her nerves take over. On the first day, she took to the stage with shaking hands and could barely muster up the words to begin her solo. However, Kelsie once again proved she could overcome her fears and moved on to the Duets Challenge.

In the next phase, Kelsie partnered up with former Miss America Betty Maxwell, who helped Kelsie emerge from her shell a bit more. Kelsie still showed nervousness, but the judges could tell she was getting better.

Kelsie Dolin’s ‘American Idol’ journey changed her life, even without the Top 24

Finally, it came time for the Showstopper round, which appeared on Monday night’s episode. American Idol shared a look back at Kelsie’s journey before she headed on stage to perform Lewis Capaldi’s “Before You Go.” This time, Kelsie completely shed her nerves as she sang from her heart and shared emotions with the audience. As the teen walked away, Katy commented, “I think she got what she came for.”

Unfortunately, the judges did not put Kelsie Dolin in American Idol‘s Top 24. However, they reminded her that she inspired viewers everywhere. Kelsie agreed that she had gained an incredible amount of confidence, so it didn’t matter that she wouldn’t move on.

“I think American Idol changed my life,” she said. “I think the Kelsie before American Idol was very closed up and shy and beat herself down. I’m just grateful. I want people who might not believe in themselves to know that if you just take a little step, it don’t even have to be great big, that you can do anything you want to.”

What’s next for Kelsie? She shared an exciting announcement on Instagram

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Since American Idol‘s Hollywood Week, which was pre-taped a few months ago, Kelsie has posted more covers on her TikTok account, making it clear that she hasn’t stopped using her voice. She hasn’t yet shared where her post-Idol musical journey will go, but the singer did have some exciting personal news. Kelsie revealed via Instagram on March 24 that she was pregnant with a baby boy.

“Can’t wait to meet baby Carter!!! August 8th!” she wrote.

Hopefully, Kelsie will carry the lessons she learned from American Idol with her as she enters a new phase in her life: motherhood.

American Idol airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for more updates.

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