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American Idol' 2023: Hannah Nicolaisen makes comeback after Covid, fans 'thought she was a goner'

Hannah Nicolaisen disclosed during her session with guest coach Noah Cyrus that she had quit her job and gotten engaged

BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Hannah Nicolaisen, a participant on 'American Idol' 2023, sang a beautiful rendition of Pink's 'Glitter in the Air' on the Disney Aulani stage in Hawaii as part of the Night 2 performances, which aired on April 17. On the upper notes, though, she sounded raspy and scratchy. The singer admitted that she was even sicker than she seemed in an Instagram post posted after the voting window ended. Now, the singer has returned to take the stage right after a week, impressing viewers at home.

Following her performance, Lionel Richie inquired about her voice troubles. "I've been very sick," Hannah said. "We're just riding these waves." He understood her plight, having been sick before significant performances. "What a way to fight through it," he said.

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Hannah opens up about fighting Covid

Hannah disclosed during her session with guest coach Noah Cyrus that she had quit her job and gotten engaged. Her fiance, Matheus, accompanied her to Hawaii. Hannah was beaming throughout her mentorship session, but there was a lot more going on behind the scenes.

"Lionel mentioned I was a little sick," Hannah explained on Instagram. "The day before I was supposed to fly to Hawaii, I tested positive for Covid for the first time since the pandemic. I thought for sure my journey was over, but my symptoms did not affect my voice terribly." "I was able to safely quarantine, and fly out just 2 days before the performance," she said.

"I believe things always happen for a reason. I only spent 2.5 days on the island in total which made me so grateful for every second I got to spend in this beautiful place. Thank you to the team of people who made sure I was safe, prepared and taken care of. Thank you to @krispooley and the band for being so flexible and creating this stunning arrangement!! Thank you to @noahcyrus for your kind words and mentorship."

'Finally Hannah Nicolaisen has woken us all up'

Hannah discusses on the most recent episode of 'American Idol' how leaving Volleyball behind (she played in college) is bittersweet. She sang despite the aftereffects of Covid in Hawaii. She seems surprised to be safe. But she does end her rendition of 'Somebody to Love' on a high note. Katy comments, "That last note reminded me that this is your path." Luke congratulates her on her great swing. "It was a great performance." Lionel believes she is brave. "Mind and body in the same spot."

On Reddit, fans were glad to see Hannah fight back, as they write, "Omg pleasantly surprised @ Hannah making it through! I thought for sure she was a goner." Another person added, "Really relieved Hannah made it. Not sure how I feel about the song choice. But it was better than some recent ones she’s done. This season has imo been promising singers I like then tanking themselves on bad or subpar song choices lol."

One Twitter user wrote, "Hannah has got to be the most improved to this point. That was a PERFORMANCE! She showed a lot in that performance." Another person chimed in, "Hannah Nicolaisen's performance tonight was great. Hope she goes far in the competition of american idol." One tweeted, "Finally Hannah Nicolaisen has woken us all up!!! What a great rendition of a hard song to sing!" Comparing her with another contestant, one person wrote, "Hannah outdid Lucy hands down."

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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