What health condition does KB have? ‘American Idol’ Season 22 singer secures ticket to Hollywood amid battling ‘painful’ ailment

KB revealed her difficult past which made the 'American Idol' judges emotional
Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins faces a painful disease (ABC)
Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins faces a painful disease (ABC)

HENEFER, UTAH: During the 'American Idol' Season 22 auditions, Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins bravely shared her ongoing battle with Hashimoto's Disease, a condition causing significant physical pain and emotional challenges. Hashimoto's Disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, muscle and joint pain, and emotional distress.

For years, KB has faced the painful effects of Hashimoto's, enduring both the physical discomfort and emotional struggles associated with the condition. Despite the hardships, she persevered, showing incredible strength in tackling the challenges that Hashimoto's Disease presented in her life.

In addition to the physical pain, KB opened up about her mental health struggles, revealing that she grappled with thoughts of suicide. Throughout this difficult journey, she found solace and healing through music, often turning to her father for support and understanding.

Together, they processed some of the darkest moments through the power of music, highlighting the therapeutic role that creativity and connection played in KB's resilience against the adversities of Hashimoto's Disease.

"I always wanted to, I just have never been confident enough in myself or believed in myself enough to do it,"  KB said after her performance. KB performed a song called 'Something in the Orange' by Zach Bryan. The lyrics express a message that things will get better by the end of the day. 

"It'll be fine by dusk light I'm telling you, baby. These things eat at your bones and drive your young mind crazy. But when you place your head between my collar and jaw. I don't know much but there's no weight at all," the lyrics of the song read. 

What did the judges say to Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins? 

The judges were impressed with KB's performance, with Luke Bryan expressing how he got chills from the very first note and commended her with a "full body wave of chills."

Katy Perry acknowledged that KB might need some guidance but mentioned she has the "special sauce" that makes her fit to be an artist.

Lionel praised KB for making the song her own, indicating that she brought a unique and personal touch to the performance. The judges collectively agreed that KB demonstrated a remarkable talent, and as a result, she will be advancing in the competition. Overall, they were thrilled with her rendition and recognized her potential as an artist.

KB has loved singing since childhood (ABC)
KB has loved singing since childhood (ABC)

Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins shares tackling self-worth issues 

KB bravely shared her journey of overcoming self-fear. She emphasized the valuable lesson she learned – that life became more fulfilling when she stopped worrying about others' perceptions and focused on what truly brought joy to her soul.

In her Instagram post on December 19, 2023, KB uploaded her first singing video. Despite lacking formal singing lessons, she took a leap of faith, expressing concerns about her singing abilities and fearing judgment from others.

For a long time, KB allowed the fear of not being "enough," constant worries about others' opinions, and deep self-criticism to control her life, preventing her from pursuing her passion.

KB revealed how he tackles fear of being judged (Instagram/ @kbrichins)
KB revealed how he tackles fear of being judged (Instagram/ @kbrichins)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 11 cast has more to unpack, and here’s what to know about catching the reunion before its Netflix release.
2026-11-05T19:30:37.000Z
‘The Amazing Race’ Season 39 heads to Sri Lanka, where a live Double U-Turn vote creates tension and forces teams to fight to stay in the race
2026-11-05T06:20:44.000Z
After a chaotic merge vote in Episode 7, a 27-year-old professional wrestler became the first ‘Survivor 51’ juror
2026-11-05T05:47:05.000Z
A former ‘RHOBH’ star has filmed with the Season 16 cast, but questions remain about her role. Her latest update offers a glimpse of the reunion and the drama ahead.
2026-11-04T20:49:29.000Z
‘Dancing with the Stars’ will host a brand new theme along with a face-off in next week’s episode
2026-11-04T10:25:19.000Z
‘Love Is Blind’ Season 11 finale sees Wilson and Wilnie clash over expectations before splitting
2026-11-04T09:35:45.000Z
Among the engaged couples featured on the show, only one made it to the altar and said ‘I do.’
2026-11-04T08:23:28.000Z
During his recent appearance on Oliver Hudson’s podcast, David Charvet reflected on his feud with Collin
2026-11-04T07:40:50.000Z
Riley Green also struggled to accept the young singer as a ‘human’ after witnessing her latest performance.
2026-11-04T05:48:33.000Z
Aneha and Cam’s ‘Love Is Blind’ wedding preparations take a turn when her sister raises concerns, leaving the bride with more to consider.
2026-11-03T19:46:46.000Z