Wait, who's his dad? Fans surprised to find American Idol's Beckett McDowell's dad is a clockwork orange
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: American Idol fans witnessed a dramatic turn of events on Monday evening, April 17, after host Ryan Seacrest confirmed one of its current contestants had withdrawn from the competition without revealing his identity. The ABC show's top 26 participants were unexpectedly reduced to 25 as a result of the contestant's departure while paving the way for 16-year-old Paige Anne to rejoin the competition as Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan's 'first alternate.'
Paige was originally eliminated during the show's Hollywood Week following a closely fought sing-off with Megan Danielle. She later admitted that she was stunned to be recalled so suddenly. "I said goodbye to Idol and everything," the confused teenager said according to Daily Mail. "Then I got invited back. Everything happens for a reason."
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Who did Paige replace?
The answer to the highly anticipated question was soon answered as the contestant who withdrew his name from the show shared a post on his Instagram profile on Tuesday, April 18. Beckett McDowell, 19, confirmed he was the aspiring singer who performed on the show, only to drop out before his performances had even aired. "To all of you wondering, yes I was on @americanidol and I made the top 26", he wrote sharing an Instagram story with followers. "I'm not going to say why I didn't decided to continue in the competition but what I will say is that it was my choice." He added, "I am forever grateful to my @americanidol family and I will always look back at the experience with the utmost gratitude and fondness."
It is Official!!! I am Back on Idol!! Watch on Monday @aulani and Vote online, via text and on the American Idol App!#Paigeanne #Paigeonidol #Paigeanneonidol #Provekatywrong #top26 pic.twitter.com/gjqCLr2Wjq
— Paige Anne (@thepaigeanne) April 17, 2023
Who is Beckett McDowell?
Daily Mail reports that Beckett McDowell, a well-connected California native, comes from a family with many famous personalities. The most direct 'famous' relative is his dad. Beckett is the son of legendary British actor Malcolm McDowell who is best known for his starring role in Stanley Kubrick's iconic 1971 film 'A Clockwork Orange.' He is the third of McDowell's five children from two marriages, among them filmmaker Charlie McDowell, Beckett's older brother, who is the husband of 'Emily In Paris' star Lily Collins.
In 2021, Lily officially established as the young singer's sister-in-law following her marriage to Charlie. Beckett also has a familial connection to the actress' celebrated father, Genesis frontman Phil Collins.
Beckett appears to be an accomplished musician in his own right and often shares photos and videos of himself playing the guitar on social media. He also appears to be active on music streaming platform Spotify, where a few of his songs, 'Wildfire', 'Weirdo' and 'Pale Blue Eyes', are available to stream. His recent February posts suggest that he's been busy filming music videos and working in a professional looking studio while participating in American Idol.
The teenager also shares pictures of long-term girlfriend Launa Fiorello-Taylor from their various appearances at festivals and parties across southern California. Beckett has been dating the 19-year-old since 2019 and often makes his feelings for her known on his Instagram account. "A WHOLE YEAR?! Holy shoot I can’t believe it’s been a whole year with you, that went so fast', he wrote in one such post, shared on their first anniversary as a couple. "I love you launa, you continue to inspire me everyday and I can’t wait for a million more days with you. Happy anniversary baby, I love you so much."