‘American Idol’ Under Fire! Fans Outraged, Accusing Show of Being Rigged!

The latest episodes of American Idol have sparked a storm of criticism, with many fans calling foul after two standout performers were sent home.

What should’ve been a thrilling lead-up to the finale has instead ignited debates over fairness, favoritism, and the future of the show.

After Sunday and Monday night’s back-to-back episodes, the top three finalists were revealed—but the road to the finale hasn’t sat well with much of the audience. Social media exploded almost instantly, as passionate viewers questioned whether the competition was truly about talent or if something else was at play.

The Shocking Cut That Stirred Fans

Sunday night’s episode saw seven hopefuls still in the race: Breanna Nix, Gabby Samone, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Mattie Pruit, Slater Nalley, and Thunderstorm Artis. But when the dust settled, Gabby and Mattie were eliminated, leaving Breanna as the sole woman in the competition.

That alone ruffled feathers. Gabby had been a fan favorite for weeks, with many predicting she’d at least crack the top five.

Fans didn’t hold back. By Monday morning, “Gabby” was trending as viewers aired their frustration. But Monday’s episode would push things even further.

Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis—arguably two of the strongest artists of the season—were the next to exit. The reactions were immediate and intense. Many believed Thunderstorm, in particular, was finale material, if not the next American Idol winner.

“Thunderstorm Should’ve Been There”

The departure of Thunderstorm Artis struck a nerve with longtime viewers. Twitter (now X) was lit with posts expressing disappointment, disbelief, and outright anger.

“Idol blew it again with the rigged voting system and booted him off the show. He was the only actual real musician / artist remaining on the show so look what’s left…..”

“Thunderstorm really should’ve been in the finale.”

“I can’t believe you all chose John Foster over Gabby and Thunderstorm. I am so irritated with Americans right now.”

“Slater and Thunderstorm were ROBBED. #AmericanIdol”

“Mark my words slater nally and thunderstorm artis will have huge music careers. These dudes are a combo of Zach Bryan artistry meets soul singing Chris Stapleton esq vocals. Two of the best overall artist to ever come on this show in recent memory I’ve been watching since Season1”

And then came this zinger: “The past 3 yrs it’s turned into Country Idol, not #AmericanIdol, which shouldn’t be.”

Some viewers argue that the show’s genre diversity is fading. A number of posts pointed out a recurring trend—the rise of country acts and the fall of more eclectic voices. It’s not the first time American Idol has been accused of leaning into a country-heavy identity, but this week reignited the debate in full force.

Finale Ahead, But Uncertainty Lingers

As Idol gears up for its grand finale on Sunday, May 18, with the top 14 contestants set to return for one last performance, the mood among fans is conflicted. Some are still looking forward to the finale; others feel too disillusioned to care who wins.

Adding to the tension is speculation around the judges. Carrie Underwood’s debut season as a judge drew mixed reactions, with some fans applauding her insights and others expressing disappointment. A few even voiced nostalgia for the days of Simon Cowell’s no-nonsense commentary.

Whether the show can bounce back from this backlash remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: this season’s eliminations have left a lasting impression—and a lot of viewers are wondering what American Idol really stands for now.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening on American Idol right now. Come back here often for all American Idol’s spoilers, news, and updates.