Ex-'American Idol' Contestant, With Tourette Syndrome, Debuts Song

Kristi Krause / Instagram

Former "American Idol" contestant, Kristi Krause, once made it all the way to Hollywood to let her voice be heard by millions of people across the globe, and now she's getting ready to release new music and opening up about the challenges she has faced along the way due to a disorder she has had since childhood. Krause appeared on the 10th season of "American Idol," and again on the 11th season back in 2012 when she earned a ticket to the Hollywood round during an especially talent-filled season of the competitive singing show.

Kristi Krause / Instagram

San Diego native, Kristi Krause, was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, a disorder that involves uncontrollable repetitive movements or unwanted sounds known as tics, at the age of 4. Battling her disorder throughout her childhood and into young adulthood, Krause is now teaming up with the Tourette Association of America and sharing her story about using music as a way to cope with the things she could not control.

"I remember having a bad episode trying to control my Tourette’s and feeling so frustrated and depressed”, Krause said in a statement.

She added, “But instead of dwelling in that dark space in my head, I decided to just start writing lyrics down and express my inner feelings. I then picked up my guitar and the melody came to me quickly."

Kristi Krause / Instagram

Kristi Krause says that she soon realized her song was not just about her own personal experience, but "was about so many others, who like me were hopelessly swimming in the same dark waves of self-doubt, pain, and discouragement."

Recording "Who I Am" in a studio setting after years of working on it, Krause states that, "My hope in putting out this song is that it will bring joy, peace, and light to others, who may be struggling with anything, especially in times like these."

The Tourrette Association of America is grateful to Kristi Krause for raising awareness about the disorder, with CEO and President, Amanda Talty stating:

"50% of individuals with Tourette Syndrome are going undiagnosed across the country. We are working hard to improve that statistic, and through our work, the Tourette Association of America witnesses the resilience, tenacity, and compassion of the TS community every day. Kristi’s song reflects strength, sincerity and self-acceptance, and empowers the TS community while raising awareness and understanding of the disorder."