Makiyah Mustiful’s pursuit of becoming the next “American Idol” came to a stunning end Monday night.
The Pine Bluff bank branch manager, who rose to fame over the past two months with her powerful voice on the longtime singing competition, did not make it past the round of 20 singers viewers voted for during the Ohana Round episodes the previous two weeks. The field of remaining “Idol” hopefuls has been narrowed to 14.
Makiyah, who goes by her first name in her performances, learned her fate during Monday’s episode.
“LORD I THANK YOU,” Makiyah said in a Facebook post. “In everything I do, I give thanks! My journey with @americanidol has come to an end. I am so grateful that God granted me with this opportunity. It has been a wonderful experience and an amazing journey. Thank you for all of your support. I love you all, this is only the beginning. The work starts now.”
She seemed to win the respect of judges including Lionel Richie, who appeared to heavily praise her after strong performances from the on-stage tryouts at Belmont University in Tennessee to episodes taped at Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii. Family members including her mother Leondra Williams were often pictured supporting Makiyah through her journey.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In Pine Bluff, locals showed their support by attending watch parties of episodes featuring Makiyah at The Magnolia Food Market & Bar, the recently opened food establishment at Sixth Avenue and Main Street.
“Idol” was scheduled to come down to 12 remaining candidates at this point, but People magazine reported host Ryan Seacrest announced, due to an “unprecedented” volume of votes, the tallies to determine the next two eliminated contestants would be postponed.
Makiyah was one of two Arkansas Deltans who appeared on Season 24 of “Idol”. The other was Palestine-Wheatley High School sophomore Michael Garner, who was eliminated in the round of 30.