Mahomet native Lexi Tieffel’s tenure on Season 23 of American Idol came to an abrupt end on Monday night.
But it’s clear that the 17-year-old’s music career is only just beginning.
To whittle the pool down to that final 24, American Idol paired up contestants to sing duets with less than a day to practice. Lexi was matched with Bryson Quick, a teenager from Seymour, Tenn. who specializes in country music.
Their performance was left on the cutting room floor, much to the chagrin of many fans.
“Well, for everyone watching, there was nothing bad to say. We both ended up getting cut and I’m sorry they didn’t show any of my singing or our duet,” Tieffel posted on her Instagram. “I may not have made it to the Top 24 but I’ve grown in ways I’ve never thought possible! You haven’t heard the last of me yet y’all!”
During the two-hour show Monday, the producers showed very little of Quick and Tieffel. In the short clip where Tieffel and Quick surface on stage, the audience does not get to hear them sing or watch them perform. Both were summarily dismissed by judge Luke Bryan.
“Bryson and Lexi, this is the first time y’all looked 17,” said Bryan, somewhat apologetically.
Tieffel and Quick had prepared the song “White Horse” by country singer Chris Stapleton. You can see some short clips of the pair preparing their performance at Tieffel’s Instagram.
For our earlier story on Lexi’s audition, go HERE.
What’s Next for Lexi Tieffel
If you want to know what’s next for Lexi, she’s already scheduled multiple local concert appearances in the next few months, including:
Friday, April 18: Tieffel and Logan Allen Music will be taking the stage at The City Center’s 10th anniversary concert, one of several acts that evening. Show is for 19+; $10 cover.
Friday, May 2: See Tieffel live in concert at Yellow and Co. in Mahomet. She will be supported by pop-folk duo Mid-October. Tickets are $5 and available online. This is a small venue, so don’t wait. (Please note, this event is for age 14 and up.)
August 22-23 (exact time TBD): Tieffel will once again be performing at the Mahomet Music Festival, opening for “The Voice” winner Gina Miles of Paxton. All ages show, free.