‘AGT’ finalist Jackie Evancho says anorexia led to osteoporosis

Former America’s Got Talent finalist Jackie Evancho has revealed she has the bones of an ’80-year-old’ woman after the 22-year-old singer’s years-long battle with anorexia led to osteoporosis.

In an interview with People Magazine, Evancho opened up about her struggles with body image and eating disorders since she finished second on the popular show in 2010 as a 10-year-old.

Evancho said she was unaware of how the disease was taking its toll on her body until she broke her back in two separate places in a car accident in 2021.

“These were abnormal pauses, pauses that you see in 80-year-olds,” the AGT graduate told People. “That’s how I found out that my eating problems caused osteoporosis. Now I’m a 22-year-old with osteoporosis.”

Even after receiving the diagnosis for the bone disease, she said she didn’t immediately start eating normally as directed by doctors “because I was gaining weight to heal.” She finally sought treatment at an inpatient facility last October.

Evancho developed anorexia at age 15 when she noticed she was getting taller during puberty. Although her mother insisted it was “just baby fat,” she said she “decided that I’m going to start on a bland diet and exercise regularly.”

However, her illness worsened and she began exercising more and eating even less, even though she knew it was getting out of control.

“I felt exhausted, moody, whiny, but after a while I didn’t feel anything anymore,” she told the magazine.

At the age of 17, she initially sought outpatient treatment for the disorder. When the country was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, her anorexia worsened.

“There were no distractions during COVID,” she said.

Now, as she gears up to release her new ninth LP, Carousel of Life, in September, she’s still recovering. As part of her treatment, she regularly sees a nutritionist and therapist. She also undergoes psychotherapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help her deal with past trauma.

“I’m still struggling, but I’m struggling, which is good because a year ago I gave myself into this completely, and it’s so dark and painful,” says Evancho. “I’m not healthy yet, but I’ve been able to implement healthy coping skills and better eating habits.”

Carousel of Life is a covers album of songs by Joni Mitchell. The first single “A Case of You” is scheduled for release on July 13th.