Julián Kalel made an emotional and triumphant return to American Idol, stepping back in front of the judges after taking time away from the competition in 2025 to focus on his mental health. The 19-year-old college student from El Paso, Texas, was warmly welcomed by judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, all of whom instantly remembered him from Season 23.
“Do you remember this kid?” Underwood asked Bryan as Kalel entered the room. Bryan replied without hesitation, “Yes, I thought about him a lot,” before adding, “We are so happy to see you!”
Kalel reflected on his first audition, where he performed his original song “Surrender,” inspired by anxiety and depression. “I was terrified,” he admitted. “My sister and I still joke that we blacked out and somehow gave the performance of our lives.” At the time, all three judges praised him as a star and even predicted he could win the season.
However, despite the promising start, Kalel ultimately stepped away. “The things the judges told me made me feel like my life was changing,” he shared. “But there were concerns about whether I could balance American Idol with my mental health.”
Kalel later revealed he was struggling deeply with anxiety and depression. “Anxiety feels like a wave crashing over you, and you’re just drowning,” he told producers. “I was questioning the value of my life. Music is my lifeline—it keeps me grounded. I knew I would regret it if I didn’t come back and try again.”
Lionel Richie offered words of reassurance. “For you to come back and try this again—we are very happy and proud of you,” he said.
Kalel then performed another original song, “Lone Guitar,” which he wrote during what he described as a dark crossroads in his life. The emotional performance featured Kalel on acoustic guitar, accompanied by his sister Karyssa on violin. His heartfelt lyrics and raw delivery drew visible emotion from Carrie Underwood and proud smiles from Luke Bryan.
After the performance, Richie welcomed him back with a powerful message: “You were born enough.”
Underwood praised Kalel’s honesty and songwriting. “You organize your thoughts and feelings into song in such a real way. That kind of authenticity is needed,” she said.
Bryan added, “You got the magic. I think you’re incredible. You have all the skills and tools of a great singer. We’re so glad you’re back—let’s just have fun with this.”
With unanimous yes votes from all three judges, Julián Kalel earned a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, set to take place in Music City this year.
“I felt understood. I felt seen,” Kalel said afterward, holding his golden ticket. “I want people to know that you are loved and that everyone is born enough.”
Kalel’s return served as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to heal and inspire. New episodes of American Idol air Mondays at 8/7c on ABC, with episodes available to stream the next day on Hulu.