Kelly was a participant in
The American Idol Experience at
Disney's Hollywood Studios at The
Walt Disney World Resort in
Orlando. At the end of the day he was the highest vote recipient in the finale show, which entitled him to receive the dream ticket, which got him to the front of the line for the real
American Idol auditions in Orlando in June 2009. Kelly is the third contestant from Pennsylvania, and was the youngest contestant to make it through to the Top 12 on
American Idol until
Thia Megia made the top 12 at 15. On May 5, 2010, Kelly was eliminated from
American Idol after landing in the bottom two with
Michael Lynche. Kelly finished fifth place in the competition. On the season finale of
American Idol on May 26, 2010, Kelly sang "
How Deep Is Your Love" with
Siobhan Magnus, who were then both joined by the
Bee Gees. Although he was close to everybody, he was especially good friends with
Katie Stevens,
Siobhan Magnus,
Alex Lambert,
Tim Urban,
Andrew Garcia, and
Lee DeWyze. He was also the youngest ever to reach the top 5.
Performances ==Post-
Idol==