AMERICAN IDOL Finalist Dexter Roberts Forced to Leave Top 10 National Tour

Dexter Roberts, who finished in the top ten of Season 13 of AMERICAN IDOL, has been sidelined from the current Idol tour now criss crossing the country due to a diagnosis of Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever.

The singer announced the news of his illness and tour departure on his official Facebook page, explaining that he contracted the disease from a tick bite during a four-day turkey hunting trip following the 'Idol' season finale in May.

Robert's announcement follows:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fans, friends and family for all their prayers, patience and support through my illness. After months of hospital and doctor visits, I finally have a diagnosis. I have Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever, with symptoms of fever, rash, headache, abdominal issues, shortness of breath and muscle pain.

After the American Idol finale show in May, I went on a turkey hunt in Kentucky. I found several ticks on me throughout the 4 day hunt, but that is nothing unusual for turkey hunting. Shortly after the American Idol tour started, I started having serve headaches, chest pains and muscle weakness on my left side, along with tremendous abdominal issues and shortness of breath. The medical facilities, while on tour, were unable to make a diagnosis. After my return home from the tour I found myself, once again, back at a hospital emergency room, where the doctor discovered a rash in my head from the tick bite. Day before yesterday, the blood work confirmed I have Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever. I started medication yesterday.

Please continue to pray for my full recovery. I know God is in control of my life, and his path will be made clear for My Music career. He is my rock and salivation, and I trusting in him."

Source: Facebook