American Idol contestant Cecil Ray Baker arrested week after leaving show

Aspiring singer accused of ‘ripping’ down door and ‘striking’ ex-girlfriend

(Fox)

American Idol contestant Cecil Ray Baker was arrested a week after leaving the show, it’s been reported.

According to a segment aired on ABC affiliate KXXV ABC 25, Baker, 20, was charged with “burglary of habitation”, after he allegedly broke into the Texas home of his ex-girlfriend, Mariah Lopez.

It’s alleged that Baker, who was eliminated from the reality competition on 11 April, “ripped” the door open “to gain entry” after Lopez refused to let him in to see a child he believes he is.

The charge, which came days after the alleged incident, constitutes a second-degree felony.

Baker is also accused of hitting Lopez in the face with the heel of his palm. It’s been reported that he was released the same day after being granted $15,000 bond.

The former American Idol contestant, who made it to the top 24 on the current season, mentioned having a daughter in his audition reel, stating: “I wanna prove to my daughter that just cause you grow up in a small town doesn’t mean you can’t have the biggest dreams.”

‘American Idol’ contestant Cecil Ray Baker was arrested week after leaving show (Getty Images)

In a TikTok video posted after the alleged incident, Lopez wrote: “I’ve had enough. This is why victims never come forward bc y’all try so hard to tear them down. #dobetter #bebetter.”

She added: “In all honesty, I just hope that you decide to do better. I hope one day that you change and hold yourself accountable for your own actions.”

“I hope one day you can change and flourish into the person that you need to be.”