Michael Becker / FOX
American Idol standout Casey Abrams has been hospitalized and missed Thursday night’s show.
The fan favorite missed the episode with his second hospitalization of the year.
"You'll notice that Casey is missing from the group. He is unfortunately sick and in the hospital right now," host Ryan Seacrest said at the show's opening. "Wave to him ... We know you're watching buddy, feel better – shout out to the nurses. Get back here soon, okay?"
No other details were released.
Later Thursday night, Abrams tweeted: "hey guys, thanks for the well wishes, I got some nice fresh blood in me and feeling better. People at Idol & Cedars are treatin me real good." An Idol insider tells THR Abrams had two blood transfusions while in the hospital. His condition: Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease which affects the lining of the large intestine.
Abrams sang a standout performance of "With a Little Help From My Friends" on Wednesday.
It's not the first time an Idol finalist has had to miss an episode due to illness. Back in Season 1,Christina Christian was hospitalized for what was reported to be dehydration after complaining of feeling weak. She did not join the rest of the Top 6 for the results of Big Band week and, as things turned out, she was the one sent home that week.
