Wayne Rooney Invites ‘American Idol’ Contestant With Cystic Fibrosis To Match
The Man United star contacted Kayden Stephenson on Twitter
Fox; AP
Kayden Stephenson may have been eliminated from American Idol, but the 16-year-old with cystic fibrosis who emerged as one of this season’s fan favorites won the attention of one of the world’s most famous sportsmen — and an all-expenses-paid trip to one of the biggest soccer matches of the year.
Wayne Rooney was so moved by Stephenson’s story that he reached out to the Oklahoma native on Twitter and invited him to Manchester United’s upcoming Champions League match with Real Madrid at Old Trafford, offering to pay for his flights and hotel.
Rooney, 27, lost his childhood friend Stephen Johnson to the terminal illness in September.
@KaydenJoshua your story inspires me.reminds me of a friend i know. Thank you for being brave and sharing your story.—
Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) February 10, 2013
@WayneRooney OMG! Dude. I can't believe u tweeted me. Thanks so much. I'm glad I inspired u. I'm also a soccer player and u inspire me.—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 10, 2013
@KaydenJoshua no matter what happens on idol. Music inspires people and u inspire people with it. Keep doing it. U will help a lot of people—
Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) February 10, 2013
Ahh THE Wayne Rooney just tweeted me. No biggie. My life is made. Thanks so much. @waynerooney http://t.co/MllbWhHY—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
He's DM'ing me now! I'M GOING TO A MANCHESTER UNITED GAME! Thank you so much. @WayneRooney http://t.co/AImiQu76—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
I will be going to the Man U vs. Real Madrid game in 3 weeks! Thank you so much @WayneRooney—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
I just freaking talked to @WayneRooney on the phone! Wow! What an amazing guy. I will be meeting him in 3 weeks before & after the game.—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
I am pumped. So blessed.—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
And he's a striker just like me! @WayneRooney ⚽—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
Thanks to @WayneRooney I have tons of British fans now! Sweeeet. Whats up mates.—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
Hurry up March 5th!!!—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 11, 2013
I'm so ready to go to Man. U vs Real Madrid match in England. March 5th. Counting down. It's all because of @WayneRooney thank you man.—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 13, 2013
& I'm excited for the meet and greet before and after the game! Get to meet this guy @WayneRooney—
Kayden Stephenson (@KaydenJoshua) February 13, 2013
So cool. Class act that Wayne. Great story!