Former American Idol contestant Jax just shared that she’s currently battling thyroid cancer.
The 20-year-old singer, who finished third on the show’s 14th season, talked about her battle for the first time during a NJ 101.5 radio show appearance on Monday morning (August 8).
Jax explained that in April she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, a condition in which one’s immune system attacks the thyroid and shortly after it was discovered there was 18 tumors on her thyroid, 12 of which were cancerous.
“People don’t realize how important the thyroid is. It’s more important than the actual brain. It was messing me up emotionally, putting me in a strange place,” Jax explained.
In a Facebook post she added, “I didn’t want to publicize what I was going through, but my team and family insisted that it was something I should share with the people that have stuck by me all this time. I know I have been totally MIA for a few months and I do owe you guys an explanation. You have been with me through thick and thin.
All the tumors were successfully removed and she is undergoing iodine treatments. She says her doctor’s expect a full recovery.
Our thoughts are with Jax during this difficult time.
David Archuleta has taken to Instagram to explain why he wasn’t performing during the American Idol finale this past week.
Read what the 25-year-old former Idol runner-up shared with his fans:
“Hey y’all, I know a lot of you were bummed I didn’t sing in the idol finale and asked why I didn’t sing. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to. I’m way bummed I wasn’t able to be more a part of it!! :( :( :( but it wasn’t because they wouldn’t let me. It was simply that I thought I wouldn’t be able to until a few days before. I’m glad I was able to be there and still be on stage for a moment with everyone. We sometimes wish things would have gone differently, but life doesn’t always go the way we hope it to at first.
“I’m so glad I could be there! I was reminded of the stressful and overwhelming moments that broke me down a lot of times, but also of the many good people that helped me get back up. I was reminded of the moments that changed my life on the show. I’m glad I got to be a part of it all throughout the years. I’ll write a blog in the next couple of days to share more thoughts with y’all.
“I will say not being stressed and having so much attention, I was able to enjoy the time backstage saying bye to everyone and meeting the people that worked behind the scenes. I love meeting the people who are also a part of the show in both big ways and small ways that no one else ever sees or hears about.
“Thank you all for your concerns. Yeah, I am sad I didn’t sing but also happy I was there. Really, if I had sung I would’ve taken someone else’s spot and I think it worked out how it needed to. Someone else needed to give out what was in their heart this time. It was Trent and La’Porsha‘s time to shine most anyway. (And boy, did they shine. What a great final finale!) No worries, I will keep finding ways to sing up ahead as long as y’all keep supporting. Thank you for your continued support and concern! It’s nice to know people still care enough to ask.”
David Archuleta reunites with David Cook backstage at the American Idol Finale held at Dolby Theatre on Thursday night (April 7) in Hollywood.
The two Season 7 guys joined Amber Holcomb, Allison Iraheta, Caleb Johnson, Mackenzie Bourg, Dalton Rapattoni, and Jessica Sanchez on the blue carpet ahead of the big event.
“Wow, what a night it has been this finale of all @AmericanIdol Finales. I’m grateful to have been a part of this legacy and to have met such wonderful people both contestants in front of the camera and crew behind the scenes,” David wrote on Twitter afterwards.
He added, “Congrats @TrentWHarmon for earning that final idol win, and to @laporsharenae for also rocking it! The final 2 of this talented group and look forward to hearing more from both of you!”
40+ pics inside of David Archuleta, David Cook and more…
Jordin Sparks hits the stage for a special performance at the finale of American Idol at the Dolby Theatre on Thursday (April 7) in Hollywood.
The 26-year-old singer, who won season six of the singing competition series, performed her song “No Air” with season one runner-up Justin Guarini!
The medley started with former judge Kara DioGuardi singing Pink‘s “Sober” and continued with Colton Dixon singing his song “Through All Of It,” and then Jordin‘s performance.
Kimberley Locke then sang her song “Eighth World Wonder” and Tamyra Gray from season one sang Little Big Town‘s “Girl Crush.” Next up was Alison Iraheta with Meghan Trainor‘s “No” followed by Pia Toscano‘s stunning rendition of Celine Dion‘s classic “All By Myself.”
Watch the video below!
35+ pictures inside of Jordin Sparks and more performing… More Here! »
Jessica Sanchez gives it her all while performing an amazing version of “The Prayer” during American Idol‘s series finale on Thursday (April 7).
The 20-year-old season 11 runner-up was joined by prior contestants for a medley of songs, which was opened by Katharine McPhee and Casey James singing Lady Antebellum‘s “Need You Now”
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of American Idol
Other performers, who Harry Connick Jr. called “some of the best singers American Idol has discovered,” included Carly Smithson, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Amber Holcomb.
Watch Jessica Sanchez perform on the American Idol finale below…
Jessica Sanchez Sings “The Prayer”
The winner of American Idol‘s final season has been revealed and do not continue to read this post if you don’t want to be spoiled!
The major series finale aired on Thursday (April 7) and we said farewell to the show with amazing performances from nearly all the memorable contestants from the fifteen years on the air.
The final two contestants this year were La’Porsha Renae and Trent Harmon. They both sang their hearts out during the performance episode the night before and the judges commented that this could be the closest vote in the show’s history.
Click inside to find out who won American Idol… More Here! »
