EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso teen is going to Hollywood after wowing judges on American Idol. 19-year-old Julián Kalel advanced past the first round Monday night.
Kalel advanced during his last audition in 2025, but took a step back to focus on his mental health. He received an anxiety diagnosis as a freshman in high school.
The song he wrote for his most recent audition is an anti-suicide anthem. He said he wrote it during a dark period in his life, and wants it to remind listeners they’re never alone…