Julián Kalel made a heartfelt return to American Idol, stepping back in front of judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan after taking a break in 2025 to focus on his mental health. The 19-year-old college student from El Paso, Texas, was warmly welcomed by the judges, who remembered him from Season 23. “We are so happy to see you!” Bryan said, and Underwood recalled, “Do you remember this kid?”
Reflecting on his first audition, Kalel shared, “Last year I was terrified. I blacked out and gave a performance of my life,” performing his original song Surrender, which addressed anxiety and depression. Although praised by all three judges, he couldn’t continue due to mental health concerns.
Kalel opened up about his struggles: “For me, anxiety is like a big wave crashing on you. Music is my lifeline—it keeps me grounded. I knew I had to give this another shot, to show that you’re defined not by your struggles, but your strengths.”
Returning to the stage, Kalel performed his original song Lone Guitar, written during a particularly dark period in his life. Accompanied by his sister Karyssa on violin, the performance highlighted his emotional depth and resilience. Lyrics like, “An empty chair, a family broken / pain is all I caused / I should stay, I should stay,” resonated with both the audience and judges.
The judges were visibly moved. Richie offered encouragement: “You were born enough.” Underwood praised his honesty: “You organize your thoughts and feelings into song in a way that’s so real.” Bryan added, “You got the magic. You have all the skills and tools of a great singer. So glad you’re back.”
With unanimous approval, Kalel earned a golden ticket to Hollywood Week in Nashville. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “I felt understood; I felt seen. I want to spread my message: you are loved, and everyone is born enough.”
Kalel’s journey is a powerful reminder of music’s ability to heal and inspire. For those struggling, support is available at https://impact.Disney.com/findsupport or by calling/texting 988.
New episodes of American Idol air Mondays at 8/7c on ABC and are available to stream the next day on Hulu.