By Connie Morrison — Dalton Elliott’s American Idol dream has run its course. After a whirlwind couple of weeks – at least for the audience because the television segments were filmed in advance – the Chincoteague crooner quietly left the show.
“They didn’t show my solo in Hollywood or group round, but my journey with American Idol is officially over,” he wrote on a Facebook post Monday night, “but this is just the beginning.”
Sunday night, Elliott also did not sing during the episode, leaving some followers confused about the process and his status. “So just to clear the air, they didn’t show my performance for the first round of Hollywood week, but I made it through to the next round!”
But it was not so Monday night as Elliott reached out to his Facebook followers with news of his departure from the show. “I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love and support I received throughout all this! I hope I made you all proud,” he wrote.
The popular singing competition show consists of auditions followed by elimination rounds. The auditions were held around the country. Local viewers were glued to their sets as auditions aired waiting for Elliott to make his debut. It finally came on the fourth night, March 17.
Judge Lionel Richie was mesmerized by Elliott’s performance. “There are singers, my friend, and there are storytellers. You were telling that story like a master,” said Richie, who added he didn’t pay attention to a single note because he was absorbed in the story.
Elliott said he was proud to have made it into the top 90 from the thousands who auditions. “This has been an experience of a lifetime! Here’s to NEVER giving up on the dream.”