EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Julian Kalel is having a big moment on “American Idol” — and he’s making sure it’s about more than just hitting the right notes.
The El Paso native has officially advanced into the show’s top 30, returning to the national stage after stepping away last season to focus on his mental health. This time around, Kalel is using the spotlight to talk openly about anxiety, depression and the power of giving yourself another chance.
“I’ve also been receiving just the most beautiful messages through TikTok and Instagram and email and I mean I wanted to give a shout out to all the people in El Paso that have done that as well. That really warms my heart. That’s the whole reason why I do this,” Kalel said.
Kalel previously earned a golden ticket, but made what was described as a difficult decision to leave the competition to prioritize his mental health. Looking back, he said he sees a major difference in himself from a year ago.
“Well, I mean, I’m thinking about myself from a year ago. So, you know, I might look the same to some people. I look at that video and I kind of don’t recognize myself. I feel like it was a really long time ago and it really wasn’t even that long ago. But it was life-changing,” Kalel said.
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During Hollywood Week, Kalel performed in front of judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie — and his emotional performance moved him forward into the top 30.
“I mean all I can say is that I’m really really glad that I decided to return and give myself another chance. I knew deep down that I’d regret it if I if I didn’t take that shot. And I mean I couldn’t have done it without my sister alongside me. I don’t know if people could tell. I could tell when I was watching but I was so nervous,” he said.
Kalel has been open about his battle with anxiety and depression, including a time when he believed those struggles defined him. Now, he’s working to change that narrative through his music — and through what he wishes he could tell his younger self.
“Um, if I could sit down with my younger self right now, I know right now he’d be pretty scared and pretty hurt, but I would say your feelings are real right now,” Kalel said. “They’re valid. But they do not define who you are and they don’t define your future and what you see ahead of you. No matter how dark that future may look or feel. Talking about my own struggles through lyrics is a big reason.”
He also said music became an even bigger outlet after a life-changing car crash shifted his perspective and pushed him to express what he had been holding inside.
Kalel said he especially hopes young people — and young men in particular — hear his message that speaking up matters.
“I’m still here pushing this message, but especially for young men asking for help is strength. It’s not a weakness and if you’re struggling, please tell someone because just one conversation can change. I mean, your future really can change even the day after,” he said.
For Kalel, returning to “American Idol” wasn’t about proving anyone wrong — it was about growth and timing.
“I believe in change and sometimes, you know, you might feel like you’re ready for the moment and you just aren’t and you know it’s just not the right timing. God has other plans,” he said.
Now, with El Paso in his corner, Kalel said he hopes his story encourages others to keep going — even when it feels like the easier choice is to stop.
“I just stayed one more day, you know, I just worked on that I realized that that wasn’t true. You know, they don’t define my future, and I want to prove that through music and through resilience and through kindness and through compassion, you know, just it’s really amazing what? Staying another day can do for your life,” he said.
Kalel continues his journey on “American Idol” on Monday nights.
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