Kinstler Thanks Supporters After 'American Idol' Elimination

LAKEWOOD, IL — Crystal Lake Central graduate and Lakewood native Grace Kinstler made it to the final three of "American Idol," but was eliminated Sunday night after the first round of voting.

Fellow finalists Willie Spence and Chayce Beckham continued on in the competition with Beckham eventually being picked as this year's winner. Kinstler, 20, has been lauded throughout the season for her strong vocal skills.

"Thank you to everyone for your support; tonight was amazing, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you," Kinstler tweeted early Monday.

During Sunday's show, 20-year-old Kinstler performed Celine Dion's "All By Myself," and Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing."

"I'm just sitting here trying to figure out, OK, you just took a Whitney Houston song and took it up, what, two octaves," said "American Idol" judge Lionel Richie. "Honestly, lady, you have outdone yourself."

Last week, Kinstler was back home for a parade held in her honor in Crystal Lake. She filmed a segment for the finale of "American Idol" at RedTail Golf Club in Lakewood and then performed for local residents.

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Kinstler, a Berklee College of Music student, performed in high school and studied and performed at the Raue Center for Arts in Crystal Lake. The Raue helped to organize last week's hometown celebration for Grace.

Richard Kuranda, CEO of the Raue Center for the Arts, said Kinstler studied with the Raue for a bit in their Sage Studio programs. He recalls how considerate and kind Kinstler was.

"She was so completely concerned about how everyone else was doing. She was just such a lovely human being. Incredible talent on top of it," Kuranda said.

Kinstler said her late father, Mitch Kinstler, has inspired her. He died unexpectedly in February 2020.

"I wish everyone could feel love like I felt love. He just thought I was a star all the time, but that's just because he's my dad," Kinstler said.

Kinstler Hopes To Perform On "Live With Kelly And Ryan"

The show isn't over, yet, for Kinstler.

She is now competing for a chance to perform on "Live With Kelly and Ryan." Voting for the American Idol finalist you'd like to see perform on the show opens Monday morning, and you can vote online.