Fans of American Idol season 13 will be let down to know one of the show's finalists has departed from the summer tour. Country crooner Dexter Roberts, who finished in seventh place last season, is no longer partaking in the live shows.
According to The Hollywood Reporter and Roberts' fellow Idol finalists Jessica Meuse and CJ Harris, Roberts will not be participating in the tour for the rest of its trek, citing an "unknown illness." According to fans who have seen the live shows, Roberts has been absent since the July 1 tour date in Highland Park, Illinois. That means he only performed during four concerts.
"Both parties mutually agreed that he would be released from his contractual obligations to continue performing on the tour," a publicist told THR.
Roberts' illness status, however, has been called into question by Idol fansites and observers. According to AmericanIdolNet.com, Roberts has been seen out and about in good health in his hometown and is obligated to play from July 18 to 20 at the World Deer Expo in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Idol camp is also mysteriously quiet about Roberts and his departure from the tour. Concertgoers are not alerted to his absence before the show and nobody is really discussing him - a tweet from Meuse is the only comment about him from the road.
@TheJeffDodge Dexter is unfortunately dealing with an illness, and we aren't sure when he will be back. :(
— Jess Meuse (@JessMeuse) July 7, 2014
Regardless, Idol and Roberts have parted ways, with other Idol finalists covering up his accompaniment parts. Meuse is now taking on his duet duties on Florida Georgia Line's "Cruise" with Harris and his solo covers of Luke Bryan's "Muckalee Creek Water" and Georgia Satellite's "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" have been dropped from the setlist.
The American Idols LIVE! Tour 2014 will continue tonight (July 11) with a show in Uniondale, New York.
