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'Very courageous': Fans hail 'AGT' alum Jackie Evancho, 22, after she reveals she has 'bones of 80-year-old'

America’s Got Talent fame Jackie Evancho has been suffering from osteoporosis caused by anorexia for the past few years

Jackie Evancho enamored audiences and fans a decade ago with her mellifluous singing in the iconic reality show ‘America’s Got Talent’ in 2012 on NBC. Even as she won second place on the show, she found a forever place in the hearts of the viewers.

However, not many are aware of the fact that the singer has eating disorder since her teen days. In a recent interview, the AGT alum revealed she is suffering from osteoporosis for the past few years because of her battle with anorexia and what she has been doing to stay healthy.

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The 22-year-old realized the severity of the disorder in 2021 when she met with a car accident that left her with a broken back. “They were abnormal breaks, breaks that you see in 80-year-olds. That's how I learned that my eating problems created osteoporosis. So now I'm a 22-year-old with osteoporosis," she told People.

Explaining how eating for the health of her bones messed up with her disorder, Evancho said: “I had to eat for my bones to heal, and that really messed me up with my eating problems, because I was gaining weight to heal. Once I finally healed, my disorder said, OK, now you've got to be really hard on yourself to get all of that out of you . . . and then some.”

Eventually, in October 2021, Evancho got the required medical treatment at an in-patient facility. She is currently recovering slowly but consistently. Talking about the time when her battle with anorexia began, the 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' singer said, “I noticed that I looked a little bigger to myself, so I asked my mom, 'Do I look fat?' And she was like, No, no, that's just baby fat. So I decided that I was going to start to mildly diet and start working out regularly.”

Evancho added, “When I started to go days without eating, in my head I said, 'I know that this isn't normal. I felt exhausted, moody, tearful, but after a bit of time, I started to feel nothing.”

Opening up on how she is still struggling with her eating disorder but wants to become healthy again, Evancho said, “I'm still struggling, but I'm fighting, which is good because a year ago I was giving in to it completely, and that's so dark and painful. I'm not healthy yet, but I have been able to implement healthy coping skills and better eating habits.”

Hoping to create more awareness about the eating disorder, Evancho wrote on her Twitter account, "I’m opening up even more about my struggles with anorexia with the hope of creating more awareness."

Soon after the news of the singer battling anorexia spread like wildfire on the Internet, fans started pouring in their warm regards. “@Jackieevancho Hang in there Jackie! So PROUD of YOU for Bravely taking time out to Take Care of Yourself!”, said a fan. “I remember performing with her at Carnegie Hall; she was sincere and sweet. We were starstruck, our age and so successful in something we all loved. Sending you so much love and strength Jackie, I know how difficult EDs are, and Im proud of you for openly sharing and getting help”, said another fan.

“So sorry to read this news. But you are a grown woman now and my hope is that you will be able to recover, even more than you dream. I am furious about the way the music business makes a habit of damaging its brightest young talent. Good luck in all you do”, a fan noted. 

“Absolutely proud of this person for opening up about a deeply personal story to create more awareness!”, said another fan. “You are a year older than my nephew and my heart breaks hearing this... Keep strong and keep sharing your story! Remember watching you in Toronto”, said another fan. “That’s very courageous, Jackie. I have no idea just what this meant for you, but your candor deserves the highest respect”, said a fan. “Wow, amazing story Jackie. I didn’t know about that. I’m glad you’re doing better now though. Hang in there it’s going to be okay!”, shared another fan.

Disclaimer: This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.