'American Idol' alum Chris Sligh battling Covid-19-related pneumonia, worried fans wish him swift recovery
Chris Sligh, an 'American Idol' alum, is ill with pneumonia after testing positive for Covid-19 on June 27. Initially sharing with his followers on Instagram on Monday, July 6 that he had contracted the coronavirus, the singer wrote, "My world right now. Covid suuuuucks" alongside a photo of himself looking unwell in a medical facility.
In a followup post, he let his fans know that the virus has now become a battle with pneumonia and thanked them for their support. "I'll try to reach out to as many people as I can individually, but publically let me say thank you for the prayers & kind words," Sligh said. "I have Covid that has devolved into pneumonia. Breathing without pain or coughing is difficult & I didn't get much sleep last night, but hopefully the antibiotics do their work and fast," he shared. His letter concluded with a personal note for fans, saying, "Thank you again for your love. It means a lot to me. I still covet your prayers & good thoughts."
According to a statement shared with People, his wife Sarah and his two children, Keira, 9, and McCartney, 7, have also tested positive for Covid-19, but Sligh said that his kids "have completely recovered" and Sarah is "doing wonderful in her recovery." The statement read, "Chris was admitted to the hospital on July 6 after 2 days of symptoms becoming more serious. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia and is at home recovering."
Many fans are lending their love and support for the singer. "Hope you heal fast and well, Chris!" says a fan while another writes, "Praying for you and your family." One fan says, "All my best for a fast recovery, brother." Another fan, who survived the coronavirus, encouraged Sligh, writing, "I had to fight the Covid battle in April and May with pneumonia and everything. You can get through it too! Sending you good vibes from New York and hoping for a swift recovery."
Sligh made his name as a finalist in 2007's season six of the 'American Idol' competition. The Christian contemporary singer-songwriter and pastor has also produced 14 albums since 2001 as a solo artist, with his band Half Past Forever or with his former church's musical entity, Shoreline Music. He also starred in the 2011 film 'October Baby'. In terms of his music, Sligh's career has achieved notable success. His 2008 album 'Empty Me' peaked at No 9 on the Billboard 200, and two other sets ('Only You Can Save Me' at No 12, 'One' at No 29) have landed in the Top 40.
Sligh has impacted the Christian AC Songs chart on four occasions, including a No 7 best for 'Empty Me'. His new single 'Beyond Our Wildest Dreams' was released in February and a newly-polished issue of 'One' is arriving on July 8. According to Billboard, the singer said that 'One' would be his last single release to the Christian market, and added that there will be “more on that to come.”