MKY is saying his goodbyes to American Idol. On Sunday, Idol fans were shocked to learn that the breakout star was one of four people eliminated from the show.

Along with Kyana Fanene, Penny Samar, and Grayson Torrence, MKY didn’t make it through to the show’s Top 20.

Fans were stunned by the development, given that he had expertly performed Miguel’s “Adorn” the week prior. The votes didn’t reflect that, though, and MKY didn’t garner enough support to move on in the competition.

“I’ll forever cherish these moments, memories & friends I’ve made on this journey and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to sing and represent LOS ÁNGELES on the national stage,” MKY wrote on Instagram after his elimination. “Although my journey is now official over on @americanidol I’d like to welcome and embrace all the new love and supporters I’ve gained recently! Be ready because this is just the beginning.”

He seemed to prove as much shortly thereafter by posting again to Instagram. This time, he captioned the post “back in the studio,” assuring fans that he’s not giving up on his musical dreams.

American Idol Continues Season 23

Though MKY is out of the competition, Idol is still going strong. On the Easter Sunday episode, fans to in faith-themed performances, including a standout showing from judge Carrie Underwood.

The country singer expertly performed her song “How Great Thou Art” for the crowd, wowing them with her soaring voice. Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Underwood’s fellow judges, also took the stage during the episode.

As for why Idol opted for a faith-based episode, Bryan told Billboard that it had to do with the first-year judge.

“A couple of episodes ago [Underwood] asked, ‘Historically have people done so much gospel?’” Bryan said. “And I said, ‘You may be having a little something to do with that.’”

“It wasn’t just gospel. They usually say something before they sing about why they want to be the next American Idol, and so many of them said, ‘Because God put me here’ and they’re leaning into that,” Underwood said. “And I asked, ‘Has it always been like this? This is awesome.’”

After the epic performances came the hard part, where the Top 24 was narrowed down to the Top 20. Six more people will suffer the same fate on the April 21 episode, when the Top 14 is finalized.

Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images