As soon as Ryan Seacrest read the results of almost 19 million votes on May 5, 2024, to determine the “American Idol” top 5 for season 22. This sparked a big reaction on social media, with many fans upset about the outcome and others annoyed with the judges’ feedback.
The final five contestants, who are getting ready for the show’s annual “Disney Week” at Disney World in Orlando, are Abi Carter, Triston Harper, Emmy Russell, Jack Blocker, and Will Moseley.
That means Julia Gagnon, who got a platinum ticket after her first audition, and McKenna Faith Breinholt, saved by judge Katy Perry the previous week, were eliminated.
After the May 5 show, many viewers were shocked and angry, blaming voters and the judges for the results. However, others defended the contestants, especially Russell, who has faced a lot of criticism in recent weeks.
Fans are split online over the top 5 results for Season 22 of the show.
ABCMcKenna Faith Breinholt and Julia Gagnon hug Emmy Russell after she makes it to the Top 5 on “American Idol” season 22
Gagnon, a 21-year-old college student and strong singer from Maine, and Breinholt, a 25-year-old singer with a husky voice from Arizona, awaited the final voting alongside Emmy Russell, a shy singer-songwriter from Nashville whose grandma was the late country icon Loretta Lynn.
Many fans were furious to see Russell make it to the Top 5 instead of Gagnon or Breinholt. Some viewers argued that Russell has an unfair advantage because of her grandma’s fan base, and others felt she didn’t meet the expectations of the May 5 show, as she remained seated at her piano during her “song that makes me wanna dance” due to nerves. Angry viewers expressed their views on social media.
One person tweeted, “Sorry, but the fact that Emmy Russell made it into the final 5 is based on who she is related to, imo. She’s talented, but not American Idol level & Tristan needs to come back next year instead of this year (come on 15 ?). McKenna & Julia should be there instead. #AmericanIdol”
“I can’t imagine American brains voting on #Idol #AmericanIdol,” another tweeted. “that (top) 5.. is so very wrong.. the last two weeks have had superior vocalist and star powers leave.. including tonight.. there’s two in there that were so below par and still got in.. 2/5 deserve to be there.”
A couple of hours after the show ended, “American Idol” shared a video of the top 5 wearing Mickey Mouse ears, excited to head to Disney World. Within minutes, the post was flooded with comments from disappointed fans.
“It feels so wrong to see idol post something without McKenna in it 😭,” one wrote, and another declared that they’re “not watching anymore.”
But Gagnon has been very vocal in recent days about how out of hand social media comments have become, pleading with fans not to put down her fellow contestants. In one post, she said she’s seen tons of hateful comments about herself and knows her fellow finalists are receiving the same kind of negativity.
Russell, who’s received a lot of hate online, received support from fans who defended her on social media after the show.
“People who are expressing dislike for Emmy need to find a life,” wrote said one person on Instagram. “I don’t care if you don’t like her. She deserves to win just like everyone else on the show. You act like it’s the end of the world, but did you vote? Probably not. So if you didn't, then you have no right to complain. She is a PERSON with EMOTIONS and she sees the hurtful stuff that you all write.”
“I voted for Emmy Russell,” another person tweetedsaid. “I love her singing and how she interprets a song. Apparently many others agree and chose to vote as I did. I also threw some votes Jack Blocker’s way. I really wish Kayko was still on the show, but I’m not going to criticize others. Stay positive.”
Concerns Emerge Among 'American Idol' Viewers Regarding Judges' Lack of Helpful Feedback
ABCLuke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie provide their feedback to Julia Gagnon on May 5, 2024
Another point of debate among viewers on social media has been about the impact judges Perry, Richie, and Bryan have on viewers and whether they're being critical enough — or at all — of each contestant. The show on May 5 particularly upset some fans, since the judges praised every contestant and every performance.
Some viewers even called for a return of Simon Cowell, the original 'Idol' judge whose brutally honest critiques were so severe he's since apologized to former contestants, including Jennifer Hudson. Nevertheless, some fans say the current judges' enthusiasm for every contestant hasn't helped viewers make informed decisions about who should progress in the competition.
“Simon Cowell wouldn't tolerate this,” one viewer tweeted, recalling the original 'Idol' judge's typically harsh assessments of contestants' performances.
“These judges are so insincere, another viewer tweeted. “PROVIDE FEEDBACK. Tell them they selected the wrong song, missed important notes, were UNINTERESTING. THEY WEREN'T ALL EXCELLENT. #AmericanIdol”
Another person tweeted, “Are the judges not allowed to tell the truth anymore @AmericanIdol what are you doing???”
The judges are well aware that fans don’t always agree with their decisions or critiques, but have said they’re more concerned with inspiring and uplifting contestants during what can be a really difficult journey than bringing them down for small things.
“Sometimes we catch a little flak online about sending someone home,” Bryan told Billboard in February. “The fans speak out against our decisions. They don’t necessarily know where we’re coming from in that mental process. If we have the opportunity to really change somebody’s life, it’s worth us doing it and changing their life no matter what we may catch on the back end.”
