ABC’s “American Idol” continued its Top 24 performances on Monday from the picturesque setting of Hawaii, though the judges’ panel faced criticism from fans.
Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan enjoyed the performances at the Aulani Disney Resort, as the remaining contestants in the Top 24 showcased their talent, following the first group’s performances on Sunday.
The judges appeared to be quite impressed, offering glowing feedback without a single critical comment for any of the 12 performers.
However, many fans took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, criticizing the judges for their unwavering positivity in the face of what they considered to be lackluster performances.
These episodes were also significant as they marked the first time the contestants’ futures depended on votes from the American audience.
With four contestants set to be eliminated on Sunday, many fans expressed a desire for a shake-up in the judging panel, longing for the return of Simon Cowell’s candid critiques.
ABC’s American Idol continues its Top 24 performances from Hawaii on Monday, though many fans called out the judges panel.
The judges were seemingly thoroughly impressed with all of the performances, with nary a negative note in sight for any of the 12 singers
The 12 singers were joined by artist in residence Jelly Roll and a new mentor, Josh Groban, who offered plenty of constructive criticism throughout the night.
For example, he told Drew Ryn that she was thinking too much about her runs, adding it was something it took himself 40 years to figure out.
He also told platinum ticket winner Canaan James Hill – who was struggling with allergies – to trust himself as well.
Still, Groban and Jelly Roll would deliver their constructive criticism during the rehearsal period, and not typically after the performance itself.
When it came to the judges, though, all three would only shower praise on each and every singer, even after performances some fans dubbed lackluster at best.
The finale performance of the night was from Amanda Barise, who sang a much different arrangement of Defying Gravity from Wicked.
While some enjoyed the performance, others were quite critical of Barise’s jazzy arrangement on social media.
Others didn’t criticize any particular performance, but just the lack of any kind of critical tone from the judges, which many felt was a departure from the show’s roots.
The 12 singers were joined by artist in residence Jelly Roll and a new mentor, Josh Groban, who offered plenty of constructive criticism throughout the night.
He also told platinum ticket winner Canaan James Hill – who was struggling with allergies – to trust himself as well.
Still, Groban and Jelly Roll would deliver their constructive criticism during the rehearsal period, and not typically after the performance itself.
When it came to the judges, though, all three would only shower praise on each and every singer, even after performances some fans dubbed lackluster at best.
Matt (@SincerelyMatt26) said, ‘”Defying Gravity” should never be turned into a disco/rave song. Let’s be so for real here. #AmericanIdol.’
Abby Skluzacek (@abby7jean) added, ‘I really liked that rendition of Defying Gravity!’ but Dean (@thedeans_list) did not agree.
‘She should’ve never changed this arrangement up, like some songs don’t need rearranging. This one definitely doesn’t and I’m sorry but if you’re doing Defying Gravity and can’t do the big note at the end, this shouldn’t be your song choice,’ Dean said.
Dean added in another tweet, ‘So the judges are just going to act like that last performance was good. Can I be a judge… I wanna get paid millions just to lie to these ppl #AmericanIdol.
Another X user dubbed @restinbtchfce said, ‘oh good lord are we done with actually giving pointers/ constructive criticism here?!?! like sorry but not all these people have been doing a great, blessed to hear ya job judges! IMO of course…. #AmericanIdol.’
X user @Tharebelkind said, ‘At this point, I feel like all the judges are playing in our faces because wtf was that. #AmericanIdol.’
Mark Lake (@MALakeJr) added, ‘#AmericanIdol judges to every singer, “OMG SO GOOD. Best you’ve ever done. Best on the show”. Everybody is the best singer of all time until the next one comes on. LOL. Nothing critical at all, everybody’s perfect. Which in reality they could have narrowed it to 6-8 a week ago.
Luke Everhart (@LukeEverhart1) replied to that tweet, adding, ‘Yeah it’s ridiculous. We live in a ‘safe space’ culture of fragility. Candid critiques, let alone old school Simon Cowell takes, can hurt the feels.’
Matt (@SincerelyMatt26) said, ‘”Defying Gravity” should never be turned into a disco/rave song. Let’s be so for real here. #AmericanIdol’
Dean added in another tweet, ‘So the judges are just going to act like that last performance was good. Can I be a judge… I wanna get paid millions just to lie to these ppl #AmericanIdol
Mark Lake (@MALakeJr) added, ‘#AmericanIdol judges to every singer, “OMG SO GOOD. Best you’ve ever done. Best on the show”. Everybody is the best singer of all time until the next one comes on. LOL. Nothing critical at all, everybody’s perfect. Which in reality they could have narrowed it to 6-8 a week ago.
KY Sweetheart (@ky_sweetheart17) added, ‘The judges must be hearing something different than me.. not all of these performances have been good!’
Matt (@mattybum25) said, ‘These judges really need to stop lying to these contestants because not all of them are delivering #AmericanIdol
KY Sweetheart (@ky_sweetheart17) added, ‘The judges must be hearing something different than me.. not all of these performances have been good!’
Abbey Jones (@AbbeyJones11) simply stated, ‘That…was bad. #AmericanIdol’ after an unspecified performance.
Matt (@mattybum25) said, ‘These judges really need to stop lying to these contestants because not all of them are delivering #AmericanIdol
Another user dubbed @SandtownMama said, ‘Remember back when the judges on @AmericanIdol were honest? #AmericanIdol.’
American Idol returns with a night of faith-based songs celebrating Easter as the votes are revealed and the Top 24 gets narrowed to the Top 20 on Sunday, April 20.
