Less than one month after being sent home by the judges on season 23 of “American Idol,” U.K. singer Sonny Tennet is mourning the death of his dad.
On May 1, 2025, Tennet shared the sad news on Instagram, posting a photo of his father playing guitar and writing, “Said goodbye to my dad today… a great man and one of my biggest musical influences. Absolutely gutted, just hoping he’s at peace. See you in the next one ❤️ love you Dad.”
Fans and friends, including his “American Idol” peers, have showered Tennet, 25, with words of love and comfort.
Sonny Tennet Grew Up Playing Gigs With His Dad in England
Born Stevie Jay Tennet in South Shields, England, the singer has gone by the stage name Sonny Tennet since he was 14, when he started performing live with his dad on the Tyneside pub circuit, according to his talent agency, Wasserman.
“My dad was a singer in a band for years when I was growing up,” he told U.K. publication Cultured Northeast in November. “I used to watch him play live and he had a really good following. We’d be out in the town and people would come up and shake his hand and stuff. I thought ‘hang on a minute, Dad’s quite a popular man and it’s all down to his music!’”
“So from an early age,” Tennet continued, “I was drawn to the karaoke machine and my mam was always telling me to get up and sing. Both of my parents were so supportive and I was part of a very musical family.”
In March 2024, Tennet shared a touching TikTok video in which he held hands with his parents as they listened for his song “Panorama” to be played on the BBC’s Radio One for the first time. As soon as they heard it, they all jumped off the couch cheering and dancing.
Upon seeing Tennet’s Instagram update about his dad’s death, the “American Idol” team wrote in the comments, “So sorry, Sonny. 💙💙”
Fellow season 23 contestant MKY left three emoji — “🙏🏽💔💫” — and top 12 finalist Filo wrote, “My condolences brother❤️ sending the love and prayers to you and your whole family🙏🏻”
Sonny Tennet Was the 1st Contestant to Appear on Season 23 of ‘American Idol’
In a March 2 “American Idol” preview show that aired right after the 2025 Oscars, Tennet’s was the very first season 23 audition to air and Carrie Underwood’s first to critique as a judge on the show. Tennet bravely performed “Easy” in front of Lionel Richie, who sang the original with the Commodores.
Richie gave Tennet a standing ovation and told him his rendition was “beautifully done” and that “you made my song your song.” Tennet easily made it through to Hollywood with three yeses from the judges and moved through each round with ease until the Head to Head challenge.
Tennet paired up with fellow U.K. contestant Ché Chesterman, with whom he became good friends with on the show. Producers showed how much fun they had behind the scenes, laughing and fooling around.
“We’ve probably spent 24 hours a day together, literally,” Chesterman said on the show.
However, nerves and fatigue started to get the best of Tennet by the time they were rehearsing their Head to Head duet, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow,” and he told producers, “I’m just a walking ball of anxiety at all times. Hollywood Week’s no joke. Honestly, it’s like hearing your competition is ruthless ’cause there’s so much talent here.”
Tennet struggled through his duet with Chesterman, who advanced and eventually made it to the top 12. Tennet, though, was sent home to the U.K. by the judges after their duet. He has a large following there, with tour dates scheduled throughout May and June.
