“It has been an incredible journey on @AmericanIdol,” Cormier posted to her Twitter page. “I am sad that it is ending for me, but I’m so proud of all of my fellow contestants who made the top 10. They deserve all the success in the world. Thank you for all the love, and don’t worry! I’ll never quit on my dreams!”

Cormier first appeared on Idol on March 17, where she wowed judges in her audition. Her previous reality TV stint was not revealed until later. Locally, Cormier is a teacher with a background in the arts. According to the Valley News, she was home-schooled for most of her academic upbringing, and was active in theater. She did take French and guitar classes at Stevens High School.

The Valley News story continues, “She started playing the violin at age 4, began singing in church when she was 10 or 11 and became lead singer of a local band that included her father, Micaiah, and brother, Solomon, when she was 13. Cormier’s first EP, Ghost, which showcases her songwriting skills and velvety voice, came out in 2017.”

Cormier was recognized not just for her previous reality TV experience, which has publically been hit or miss with fans, but also her unique voice. Her personal website explains, “Her voice has been described as rich, magical madness and her music as deep and thought-provoking. This young artist will lull you to another time and place with her soulful melancholy style. Her influences are eclectic from The Cure, Lana Del Ray, The Cranberries, Dinosaur Jr, to Elvis Presley. Her unique sound is hauntingly beautiful and will leave you reminiscing and contemplating about the good things in life.”

Show judge Katy Perry agreed, saying Cormier is “one of my favorite voices I’ve ever heard in my life.”

Cormier’s first stint in the spotlight was in 2017. She and then-fiance David Vasquez Zermeno were documented on 90 Day Fiance, which exposes the fiance visa process. Zermeno, who is from Spain, met Comier through mutual friends, according to the Valley News, after he followed her on Instagram. “They were already engaged and planning their wedding when one of Cormier’s friends suggested they audition for the show,” the article says. “A camera crew followed the couple around Claremont as they went about their daily routine, planned their wedding and exchanged vows.”

They remain married to this day, but on-screen drama gave some Idol fans a bad feeling. “The two were shown arguing almost constantly leading up to their nuptials,” a Washington Post story explains, citing specific examples of drama and uncomfortable scenes between the two. Cormier told Idol fans via an interview on the show that she’d rather be remembered for her music than her time on the TLC show.

The elimination from Idol competition came after her take on Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle.” Overall, the judges were positive about Cormier’s performance and her future career in music.

“This is probably the beginning of your long career,” Lionel Richie said.

“You’re graceful, you’re beautiful, I’m a huge fan of you, and I think you’re on your way to becoming a spectacular artist,” Perry added.

“Don’t take this ‘America’s vote’ and let it start changing what you are,” Luke Bryan encouraged.

Cormier took to Instagram/Facebook to answer fans about her elimination, saying she felt as though the judges made the right choice on Monday night, and that she “altered under the stress, pressure, and emotions of it all.” She also noted she will not be returning to TV as it’s not her favorite thing. Nonetheless, she is blessed and hopeful for her budding career.

“This was an amazing opportunity that put me in a position to be seen and heard by many important people in the music business,” she said, noting previously she’s working to finish an album she has been recording. “I am thankful and fully believe that God opens doors that no one can close, and closes doors no one can open. I have much to be thankful for and to look forward to!”