After 24-year-old American Idol contestant Josh King was eliminated during the May 5, 2025 episode of Season 23, fans were moved not only by his emotional farewell, but also by what host Ryan Seacrest revealed next—a story that highlights King’s deep-rooted kindness and commitment to serving others through music.

Before stepping onto the Idol stage, Josh King had already made a name for himself in Charlotte, North Carolina—not as a star, but as a selfless volunteer. Long before national fame, King spent his time playing music for children at Levine Children’s Hospital, performing every Tuesday at the Seacrest Studios, a broadcast center built by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation to bring joy to young patients through creativity and entertainment.

“I’d go in, set up my piano, and play for an hour. We called it Tuesday Tunes at Two,” King shared with Seacrest during his Idol audition. “Kids would come down from their rooms just to listen. It was so rewarding.”

The reason behind his dedication was deeply personal. King revealed that he began volunteering in 2017, shortly after his sister was hospitalized with serious health complications. Moved by what his family endured, he chose to give back through the only gift he knew best—music.

In a touching video shared by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation on Instagram on May 7, Seacrest praised King’s ongoing commitment.

“You’re making a lot of kids and staff happy,” Seacrest said.
“It gives them a chance to forget what they’re going through,” he added, visibly emotional.

Even off the Idol stage, King continues to share music with his community. For several years, he has also been a volunteer piano player at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, spreading warmth and positivity to travelers.

After his exit from American Idol, King expressed deep gratitude:

“This show saved me,” he wrote on Instagram. “Being part of it meant the world.” He also thanked the production team, noting their behind-the-scenes efforts:
“They were behind us every step of the way… I’ll never forget that.”

The video of King’s volunteer work sparked an outpouring of love from fans across the country.
One comment read:

“This is amazing. Josh is so talented and kind. Crying happy tears. Blessings follow those who bless others.”

Another added:

“He’s such a sweet young man with a beautiful heart. God has great plans for him.”