As American Idol Season 23 standout Josh King lay in a Virginia hospital bed battling a life-threatening illness, two familiar faces from his Idol journey stood by his side — proving that the friendships forged on the show run deeper than the stage.
The 23-year-old North Carolina musician, who earned a spot in the Top 8, shared a sobering update on June 9 via Instagram, revealing that what began as a joyful songwriting retreat ended in a medical emergency. The retreat, hosted by fellow Idol alum Nina Daig, quickly turned into a crisis when King woke up one morning in excruciating pain, unable to move.
“I evacuated anything that remained in my stomach 😀,” King recalled with dark humor. “It felt like I’d been hit by a truck.”
A Sudden, Dangerous Diagnosis
After being rushed to the hospital by Daig’s husband, doctors diagnosed King with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) — a serious condition where the body’s reaction to stress, infection, or trauma becomes dangerously overwhelming. The Cleveland Clinic describes it as a life-threatening emergency that can severely strain the heart and vital organs.
King said his heart rate hovered at a dangerous 125–130 beats per minute while even the slightest movement caused searing pain. The cause? A “perfect storm” of dehydration, stress, heat exhaustion, and fatigue.
“There was a ton of strain on my heart,” he shared. “I had to be monitored for two nights.”
Though he’s now home and “on the mend,” King admitted he’s had “severely unlucky” health struggles in recent weeks.
‘Idol’ Family Shows Up—Again
Despite the fear and uncertainty, King wasn’t alone. Fellow Idol contestants Skylie Marie Thompson and Grayson Torrence stayed by his side throughout the ordeal. In a photo he posted from the hospital bed, the three smiled through the chaos—evidence of the deep bonds that formed during their time on the show.
“The Idol family was there for me once again when I needed them :)” King wrote.
Torrence later posted a video update saying King was “doing a lot better” and would remain in Virginia to recover and continue writing songs as planned. Fans flooded the comments with support, and his fellow Idol finalists were quick to rally.
Breanna Nix, who finished third, wrote, “Oh no! I’m happy you’re out!! Please rest though!!!”
Canaan James Hill, messaging from the BET Awards, added, “Glad to hear you’re okay brother! Love you man 🤝🏾💯”
Ché Chesterman and Desmond Roberts echoed the sentiments: “Wish you well brother ❤️” and “So glad you’re alive man 🙏🏾❤️”
More Than a Contestant
Josh King was never just another contestant. During his Idol run, he made headlines for his selfless gesture—encouraging the judges to save 16-year-old Mattie Pruitt instead of him, a decision that moved both the panel and viewers.
Off-camera, King has long dedicated time to others, volunteering weekly with young patients at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, inspiring kids with music and hope through Seacrest Studios.
Now, after inspiring so many, it’s Josh’s turn to receive that love back—and by all accounts, it’s coming in waves.
