American Idol contestant Kaibrienne Richins has Hashimoto's thyroiditis (What to know about the disease)

* UPDATE - Unfortunately Kaibrinee Richins has been eliminated from American Idol season 22 and did not make it into the Top 7. Details here. *

American Idol just kicked off, but a highlight of this season has already been Utah singer Kaibrienne "KB" Richins. However, many may not know of the unique medical condition this woman has overcome to try and realize her dreams! Find out more about it here!

Every season of American Idol is notable for singers coming out in their attempts to become a singing star. A shift for the show in the last few years has been more contestants already making a name for themselves via TikTok and other forms of social media. There’s also a new generation of talents who grew up watching the show and wanting to be on it for real.

Among them for this season is KB. The 20 year old singer appeared nervous in her first audition but came together for a wonderful rendition of Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange” that had judge Luke Bryan claiming, “I got chills.”

It looks like KB might rise up more on the show, which is good given her tough life and her current health problems. 

What is KB’s health condition?

In her video package, KB revealed she hadn’t had an easy time of it. “I got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s [thyroiditis] when I was in fourth grade. It’s a thyroid disease that’s so painful and when it flares up, it’s crazy mood swings. It’s been so bad.”

Like many thyroid issues, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects the hormones that control various parts of the human body. While it usually comes up in middle-aged women, it can pop up in those Richins’ age, too. In this case, the condition may start slowly but eventually destroy the cells around the thyroid, preventing the release of hormones. 

Symptoms can range from the mood swings Richins felt to a goiter, hair loss, joint pains and worse. Thankfully, it appears Richins caught it early enough to be treated. Coincidentally, another person with the same condition is the very first American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson. 

KB's story inspired many American Idol viewers and brought attention to the thyroid condition that she has, making her audition a feel-good moment of the season.

American Idol airs Thursdays and Sundays at 8/7c on ABC.