America’s Got Talent Star Admits Life “Spiraled” Out Of Control Amid Health Challenges

America’s Got Talent superstar Jackie Evancho recently opened up about various health challenges she’s gone through over the years that led to her feeling like her life was out of control. Jackie competed in America’s Got Talent season 5, during which she sang songs like “Ave Maria.” After making it all the way to the America’s Got Talent finale, she ended the competition as the runner-up behind singer Michael Grimm. Since then, Jackie has released multiple albums and EPs. Years later, she joined another reality show, The Masked Singer season 5, during which she placed fifth as the Kitty.

Jackie has been open in the past about her health challenges, including an eating disorder and suffering through a serious car accident. While being interviewed by Maurice Benard, Jackie talked openly about what she’s faced over the years, with Maurice acknowledging on Instagram that she was “incredibly brave” to share her story and that the AGT singer will help “so many young women out there.”

During the interview, Jackie mentioned that when she started developing disordered eating, “from day one, it spiraled and it spiraled and it spiraled.” She entered various treatment centers and programs, but they didn’t work for her. When pressed about why those programs didn’t help her, she said she wasn’t sure but added, “There’s something in my brain that says, ‘This is all BS,’ and it just wants to sabotage myself.” She questioned what she deserved in life and even her own worth.

Jackie Evancho Broke Back After Horrific Car Accident

AGT Star Thought She Was Fine After Accident

The obstacles facing Jackie didn’t stop there. After her disordered eating “really started to kick into high gear,” the AGT alum was involved in a car accident. She thought she was fine at first, despite the vehicle landing on its side and the airbags not deploying. She got out of the car, assuming there was nothing wrong with her. She went to get checked out and got into the ambulance after first responders arrived. However, she “found out I broke my back.” A couple years ago, Jackie revealed that the car accident led her to being diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Jackie has had to overcome a lot in her young life, and she’s only 24 years old. She’s admitted in recent years that she’s still struggling, but she’s been able to better manage her various diagnoses through treatment, therapy, and healthier habits and skills. Like Maurice said in his Instagram post, Jackie’s bravery is on full display, and she’s been able to help a lot of young people listening to her story who are going through similar struggles.

Jackie may have started on the national stage as a singer, which she is extremely talented at, but now the scope has widened and she’s able to use her platform, despite not winning America’s Got Talent, to improve other people’s lives for the better. America’s Got Talent was lucky to have Jackie audition all those years ago. Now her fans are lucky that she’s here to share her story and help make the world a better place.

Source: Maurice Benard/Instagram

America’s Got Talent

A dynamic and engaging reality competition series where contestants from across the nation showcase their unique talents in front of a panel of celebrity judges and a live audience. Acts range from singers and dancers to magicians, comedians, and a variety of other performers, all vying for a cash prize and national recognition. The show features a blend of emotional backstories, high-energy performances, and nail-biting eliminations, culminating in a grand finale where the audience votes to crown the winner.

Cast

Regis Philbin , Jerry Springer , Nick Cannon , Tyra Banks , Terry Crews , Piers Morgan , David Hasselhoff , Brandy Norwood , Sharon Osbourne , Howie Mandel , Howard Stern , Mel B , heidi klum , Simon Cowell , Julianne Hough , Gabrielle Union , Sofia Vergara

Release Date

June 21, 2006

Seasons

18

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