Casey Abrams – Get Well Soon

March 11, 2011 at 10:30 AM

For anyone who listened to the Idol Radio Show this week, or even read my ‘American Idol’ Top 13 – An unlucky number for viewers post yesterday, you know that I am not a fan of Casey Abrams. His growling during songs grates my nerves and I feel like he is trying to come across as someone other than who he really is. I’ve made no bones about how quickly I want him gone from the competition.

But not like this.

As you may remember, American Idol Season 10 contestant Casey Abrams went into the hospital a couple of days before the contestants were scheduled to tape their Top 24 performances. Other than word that Casey was complaining of severe stomach pain prior to being taken away by ambulance, no explanation of what was wrong was given. Instead, we were left wondering whether Casey would even make it to the taping. Especially after we found out that he would be cut from the competition if he was unable to make the taping.

I have never liked hearing that a contestant has been cut or has to pull out of the show because of health problems. During Hollywood Week, we saw Jacqueline Dunford having to be held up on stage by Ryan as she tried to figure out a way to continue in the competition instead of having to withdraw. One of my favorites from Season 8, David Osmond, was cut during Hollywood Week after laryngitis severely affected one of his performances.

Despite the protests from my ears, Casey Abrams was thankfully able to make the Top 24 taping that Friday night. And as you know, he made it through to the Top 13 off of America’s votes (something I haven’t quite forgiven America for yet).

But Casey isn’t feeling well again. Sometime after the Top 13 taping Tuesday night and the live results show Thursday night, Casey went back into the hospital. Ryan mentioned on the show Thursday night that Casey was in the hospital, but did not elaborate what was wrong.

The Hollywood Reporter is now reporting that Casey suffers from ulcerative colitis, a rather nasty disease of the large intestine that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores, and whose main symptom is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood (you can read more about the disease on Wikipedia). The Hollywood Reporter also reports that Casey received two blood transfusions. As far as I can tell, Casey is still in the hospital this morning (at least, I haven’t seen any reports indicating he is out).

With two hospital visits already, my fear is that the stress and long hours that Idol contestants go through are causing too much of a strain for Casey. I don’t see how he can keep going if his condition is going to continue to flare up like this. I hope whatever medication the doctors are giving him will kick in and keep this condition from recurring. Then Casey can sing again on stage with his fellow contestants.

At which point America can vote him out like a normal Idol contestant.

Get well soon, Casey.