American Idol: Caleb Kennedy’s Bond Denied After Heading To Court

Former American Idol contestant Caleb Kennedy’s bond has been denied. The country singer auditioned for season 19 of the singing competition, advancing all the way to the Top 5 before quitting after a KKK-themed video featuring Caleb surfaced. He later admitted in an interview that he wasn’t emotionally prepared for the experience on the show, despite receiving high praise from judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan throughout his time in the competition. Caleb was known for performing old-fashioned country music covers, as well as multiple original songs.

Just a few weeks ago, Caleb resurfaced in the media when he allegedly killed a man while driving into a building. Caleb, who lives in South Carolina, faces a felony DUI and was allegedly under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana. The victim was identified as a 54-year-old man named Larry Duane Parris. Mr. Parris suffered grave injuries three hours before being pronounced dead.

According to People, Caleb has reportedly faced the family of the man he killed in court. At his second bond hearing, more details of the accident were revealed. On February 8, Mr. Parris was in the garage of his shop in Spartanburg, South Carolina, when Caleb allegedly crashed into the building. Mr. Parris’ daughter Kelsi, seated near his wife Donna, gave an emotional plea for the judge to deny Caleb’s bond. Kelsi said the following: “I see my daddy laying in his own shop, moaning and groaning, with a stranger not even calling 911…[Caleb] killed my dad, point-blank. I wish I could pay a little bit of money or a lot of money to have my daddy back.” Kelsi went on to describe the gruesome details of her father’s death, insisting that Caleb’s bond should be denied. After Kelsi’s emotional plea, the circuit court judge denied Caleb’s bond.

The court revealed that they’re waiting for Caleb’s toxicity report before deciding on the matter of the bond. Caleb’s defense attorney slammed this decision, citing Caleb’s age of 17 as a reason for it being unfair. “It is unfair to this kid to be sitting in jail for months on a backlog with [State Law Enforcement Division] and the fact that a magistrate judge down in jail didn’t do his job anyway and set a bond. I am just sorry, judge, but I am standing up and saying a bond should be set today.” Caleb was charged with allegedly driving under the influence, resulting in a death following the crash. His mother, who is his manager, did not respond when contacted at the time of his arrest.

Throughout American Idol history, contestants have caused all kinds of controversy both during and after their time on the show. But given that this was the second time that the same contestant made such negative headlines, Idol fans have felt that the producers need to do a much better job of vetting potential contestants before bringing them onto the show. In the same season as Caleb, Top 24 finalist Cecil Ray Baker was arrested for breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house and allegedly assaulted her. This was after his elimination. With Idol‘s coveted 20th season having just premiered, fans are anxious to find out if any contestants will end up like Caleb or Cecil. For right now, fans are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting year of American Idol. It’s the fifth season to air on ABC, with host Ryan Seacrest and judges Lionel, Katy Perry and Luke all returning.

American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Source: People