Why Josh Gracin Won’t Appear on the ‘American Idol’ Finale

Several Country artists are returning for the American Idol series finale this week. One former Idol who won't be there is Josh Gracin. 

Why Josh Gracin Won’t Appear on the ‘American Idol’ Finale

This week, past American Idols from the show’s previous 14 seasons are heading to Hollywood another time to say goodbye to the iconic singing competition.

Country’s own Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington, and Carrie Underwood are among the artists who are returning for the show’s series finale. One former Idol who won’t be there is Josh Gracin.

Gracin took to Facebook today to share the following message regarding why he isn’t returning to American Idol. He writes…

I understand that some people are upset that I will not be attending the American Idol finale and some going as far as to question my character. Since leaving Idol I have shown appreciation and gratitude in every interview I have done over the last 11 years. During my first album release the amazing team that once made up Lyric Street Records fought hard to get my music on the radio and to the fans. Country radio went out of their way to support a Northern Boys love for country music by giving me 3 top fives, 1 top ten and a number 1 single. The fans bought records bought tickets and have made it possible for me to continue doing what I love the last 11 years. During the success given to me by the fans and country radio, Lyric Street reached out to Idol several times over the years to have me back on the show and were declined every time. Ive waited 11 years to return to Idol, beyond excited when I was told they asked me back for the finale, wanting to celebrate the success of “Idols” post their appearances on the show. My team inquired about the details of my appearance and what was needed of me, before we could commit and ultimately move things around, that have already been rescheduled once, due to a death in my family. Idol responded with tentative schedule of events and the amount I was to be compensated for my appearance but left out what we specifically asked for regarding the song choices and lyrics. After requesting song choices and lyrics a few more times and receiving nothing I felt it was in the best interest of myself, my team and the direction we were moving musically/career wise to decline. I wanted nothing more than to finally be part of the show that made it possible for me to begin doing what I love, but I couldn’t move obligations once again, for something unknown. When we politely declined all we received back was an “OK”. I hope this helps put things in perspective for some of you, I do realize however, that some of you will also choose to look at this negatively regardless of how I may have come to my decision. God Bless.

Fans first met Josh Gracin on season two of the hit show. During his stint on the singing competition the former member of the United States Marine Corps sang a variety of songs, from O-Town’s “All Or Nothing” to Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be” to “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)” by Garth Brooks. His heart, however, was in Country music, and after placing fourth on the season, Gracin moved to Nashville to pursue his dreams.

With a little help from Rascal Flatts, Gracin met the right people and later signed a record deal with Lyric Street Records in 2004. He went on to earn a handful of Top 10 singles and one No.1 single, “Nothin’ To Lose.” After Lyric Street unexpectedly closed its doors, Gracin’s music fell off the charts.