Malcolm McDowell's Son Beckett Quits 'American Idol' After Making It to Top 26

Malcolm McDowell's son Beckett announced his exit from "American Idol" after making it to Top 26.

The "American Idol" made an exemption during its current season by welcoming 26 contestants instead of having the usual Top 24. However, the list lost one of the hopefuls, with host Ryan Seacrest announcing that a contestant decided to "bow out" of the competition.

Why Malcolm McDowell's Son Beckett Quits "American Idol" Revealed

The 19-year-old emerging singer took to his Instagram Stories Monday, sharing a photo of himself while holding his golden "American Idol" ticket. Beckett told his followers that he made it to the top 26 but decided to leave the show.

"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 said. "I am forever grateful to my American Idol family and I will always look back at the experience with the utmost gratitude and fondness."

Beckett also asked the viewers to vote for his friends as they continue their journey without him.

Ryan Seacrest revealed during the Monday night episode that Beckett decided to exit so the judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie could callback Paige Anne.

It was not the first time "American Idol" lost a contestant this year.

"American Idol" Contestants Quit Show for Different Reasons

Before Beckett, Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart's daughter Kaya announced that she dropped out during duets week after feeling "really sick." She originally teamed up with Wilmore to sing Adam Lambert's "Whataya Want from Me."

Kaya revealed she knew she could not give her best because of her current status, and she thought it would not be fair for her duet to continue without giving her one hundred percent.

Meanwhile, contestant Sarah Beth Liebe also left the competition after passing the initial audition. She told the judges that she wants to focus on her children instead, but she did not mention whether Perry's mom-shaming controversy affected her decision.

The "Dark Horse" singer wanted her to stay, but Liebe admitted that she did not even know what show business is so she made up her mind. The contestant also spoke candidly about having no chance to win anyway compared to other hopefuls.

Liebe revealed during her first audition that she only took music seriously in the past six months before she tried her luck. Richie also gave her a "no" when she joined the auditions in New Orleans.