American Idol golden ticket winner surprises Gainesville RMDHC patient

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - A Jacksonville singer fresh off a breakout moment on American Idol is using her growing platform to give back, turning a social media message into a visit that brought music and encouragement to families facing serious medical challenges.

Khloe Grace, who earned a golden ticket on the show, recently traveled to a local Ronald McDonald House Charities location after connecting online with a teenage patient recovering from heart surgery.

“She commented on one of my TikTok videos and I thought it was so sweet,” Grace said. “She said how she had just had heart surgery on her 13th birthday … and I saw that she was local to where I live so I was like I definitely have to go visit her and see her.”

That comment came from Kylie Poppelreiter, who was born with a complex heart condition.

“Well I was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, so basically your left side of your heart is smaller than your right side and they’ve always tried to fix it,” Poppelreiter said.

The visit brought the two together at the Ronald McDonald House, where Grace sang with Kylie and spent time with other families staying there.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides housing and support for families with children receiving medical treatment, allowing them to stay close to hospitals during extended care. Leaders say visits like Grace’s offer a boost beyond the organization’s day-to-day services.

Grace said her goal was to share a message of hope with the children and families she met.

“No matter what you’re going through, whether it’s your mental health, whether you’re going through things that Kylie has gone through … I think it’s just the message of like there is hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel and it will be OK, you’ll make it through,” she said.

The moment was especially meaningful for Kylie, who continues her recovery journey after undergoing major procedures.

During their visit, Grace offered words of encouragement directly to the teen.

“It’ll all be ok, and I know it’s been a hard journey for you but I am glad you got a new heart and getting to live your life,” she said.

For Grace, the experience reflects a larger purpose beyond the stage, using her voice not just to perform, but to connect.

From a viral TikTok interaction to a heartfelt visit in person, she said the opportunity is exactly what she had hoped for.

“It’s such an honor,” Grace said. “I have always dreamed of being able to do stuff like this; it’s just so special, and I love it.”

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