Josh King may have said goodbye to the American Idol stage, but his story is far from over. The 24-year-old singer from Charlotte, North Carolina, stunned fans not just with his talent—but with his selfless heart.
After being eliminated from the Top 7 on May 5, 2025, King became a viral sensation—not for what he sang, but for what he did. In a moment that captured the nation’s attention, he reportedly offered to give up his spot so that 16-year-old Mattie Pruitt could continue. While producers didn’t allow the switch, fans flooded social media with praise, calling King a “class act” and “a true star, win or lose.”
What many didn’t know at the time was that this wasn’t a one-time gesture. It’s who Josh King is.
A Musician with a Mission: Giving Back Through Seacrest Studios
In a moving Instagram video posted on May 7 by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, fans got a glimpse into King’s life beyond the Idol spotlight. Long before his audition aired in March, he was bringing joy to sick children at Charlotte’s Levine Children’s Hospital—one song at a time.
King began volunteering at Seacrest Studios in 2017 after his sister faced serious health complications. “I go in, I set my piano up, I play for an hour,” King explained to Seacrest during his audition. “We called it Tuesday Tunes at Two. Kids would come down from their rooms and just listen and sing along.”
The video, which includes footage of King performing in the hospital and heartfelt cards made by young patients, quickly captured the hearts of viewers. Seacrest, whose foundation has built broadcast studios in pediatric hospitals nationwide, called King’s work “amazing” and said he brought happiness to countless children and staff.
“It gives them something to help them forget what they’re going through,” Seacrest said.
“And that’s exactly why I did it,” King responded.
From Airport Pianos to Primetime TV: A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Josh’s heart for music and service doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. He’s also spent years as a volunteer piano player at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, offering weary travelers a moment of calm through his music.
Now, even after his Idol run has ended, fans are rallying behind him. Thousands have commented on the foundation’s video, many shedding tears over his humility and generosity.
One fan wrote, “Crying happy tears! Josh is so talented and kind! Blessings follow those who bless others.” Another said, “God knows his heart. Josh has big things ahead.”
And it seems Josh feels just as grateful.
In a heartfelt Instagram post after his elimination, King wrote, “This show saved me. I hope y’all understand how much it means to be a part of it.” He went on to thank the crew behind the scenes for supporting the contestants “every step of the way.”
What’s Next for Josh King?
He may not have made the Top 7, but Josh King made a lasting impression on viewers and left the competition with something even more valuable: respect, admiration, and a community rooting for his future.
With a voice that soothes and a heart that inspires, King is the kind of artist the world needs more of—on and off the stage.
As the Ryan Seacrest Foundation put it: “Josh King may be saying goodbye to American Idol, but his music journey is far from over.”
