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

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with an unexpected mystery Monday night after host Ryan Seacrest confirmed that one of the current contestants had withdrawn from the competition — without revealing who.

The ABC show’s top 26 contestants were unexpectedly whittled down to 25 as a result of the departure, giving 16-year-old Paige Anne the chance to rejoin as Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan’s “first alternate.”

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

“I said goodbye to Idol and all that,” the teen told the jury. Then I was invited back. Everything happens with a reason.’

Indeed, but who replaced them? The answer was quickly given and the mystery quickly solved, in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday.

Beckett McDowell, 19, took to the social media platform and confirmed that he was the aspiring singer who performed on the show, but dropped out before his performances had even aired.

He shared an Instagram story with followers and wrote, “For all of you wondering, yes I was on @americanidol and I made it to the top 26.

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

He added, “I am eternally grateful to my @americanidol family and will always look back on 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 native of California with some very famous relatives.

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

Talented: Beckett appears to be an accomplished musician in his own right and regularly shares photos and videos of himself playing guitar on social media

Close: The teen regularly shares photos of their long-term girlfriend Launa Fiorello-Taylor from their various performances at festivals and parties in Southern California

Howdy: A young Beckett with his famous father Malcolm in an undated social media photo

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

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

While it is unknown if Phil gave him any valuable advice, Beckett appears to be an accomplished musician in his own right and regularly shares photos and videos of himself playing guitar on social media.

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

Recent social media updates from February suggest that he was busy filming music videos and working in a professional-looking studio, while taking part in American Idol.

The teen also shares photos of their long-term girlfriend Launa Fiorello-Taylor from their various appearances at festivals and parties in Southern California.

Beckett has been dating the beautiful 19-year-old since 2021 and often makes his feelings for her known on his Instagram account, which has 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 by so fast.

“I love you Launa, you continue to inspire me every day and I can’t wait for another million days with you. Happy birthday darling, I love you so much.’

American Idol continues Sunday, April 23 on ABC.