Fans were outraged with how Idol judge Katy handled beloved contestant Odell Bunton Jr during the show’s Final Judgement on Monday’s episode.
American Idol judge Katy Perry caught backlash tonightCredit: ABC
Katy decided to fakeout Idol contestant Odell Bunton Jr on Tuesday’s episodeCredit: ABC
Tonight broke Idol fans’ hearts since many cuts were made as the season finale is underway.
Odell was one of the contestants who were sent home on Tuesday, or so Katy originally made it seem.
Before the Hot N’ Cold singer, 39, delivered him the “bad news,” she asked him about his home life.
“Man, it’s tough,” Odell said honestly.
“We got a total of 12 people living in a hotel room. Just two beds and a little kitchen area.
Amid him telling his story, Odell began to cry but quickly pulled himself together and dried his tears, admitting that today was an “emotional day for him.”
Within moments of Odell expressing his feelings, Katy teased that his time on Idol was “up”, when in reality, that was far from the truth.
“You know, Odell, it’s a lot of pressure, having a platinum ticket. I don’t even know what the pressure is having 12 people under one roof,” Katy told him.
“[But] we have to make decisions that are hard. Even when life is hard. Unfortunately this as far we can take you.”
All Odell said was “yes ma’am,” looking at the judges with a sense of defeat and sadness.
IDOL ARENA American Idol 2024 LIVE — Hollywood Week starts tonight as contestants face the ‘biggest cut ever’_Instagram_americanidol
After letting him believe he was done on Idol for about a minute, the award-winning songstress told him that he was actually safe this week.
“It’s gonna be up to America from here on out because you’re in our Top 24,” Katy disclosed.
“Oh God,” was all Odell said before busting out into full-blown tears and burying his face in his hand to sob.
Katy and fellow Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie all crowded around a weeping Odell to comfort him after she gave him the real news.
“You know, Odell, it’s a lot of pressure, having a platinum ticket. I don’t even know what the pressure is having 12 people under one roof”
Katy Perry
CATTY KATY
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Idol fans sounded off about initially faking Odell out.
“Katy I hate you for that #Top24 #AmericanIdol,” one person wrote on the social media platform.
“OMG!! My heart dropped for a second when Katy did that!!! Damn you Katy Perry!! I’m sooooooo glad that Odell Bunton Jr. is in the Top 24!!! #AmericanIdol,” someone else raged.
“Katy!!!!! Why you make us cry like this #AmericanIdol,” a third person chastised.
“Katy had that man thinking he about to go back to that hotel tonight with 12 folks. #AmericanIdol,” they added.
“That was not nice Katy #AmericanIdol,” another slammed.
“Nah Katy is wrong for that…. #AmericanIdol,” a separate viewer shaded.
“My heart dropped when she did that! I was about to scream out NOOOOOOOOO!!! Then she let him know that he IS IN the top 24,” wrote another.
NOT AN EASY ROAD
Idol fans fell in love with Odell after he nailed his Idol audition with a soulful classic.
He sang the late Sam Cook’s Bring it Home to Me.
Although Odell was born and raised in Austin, Texas, he now lives in Dallas and works as a security guard at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport during the overnight shift.
“It has not been easy trying to provide for five. It’s been a struggle,” Odell shared during the initial audition.
He added that when it came to him and his family living in a hotel, he “never thought he’d be in a situation like this.”
However, in spite of it all, Odell’s children are his biggest motivation.
BACK IN EFFECT!
Season 22 premiered on ABC at 8 pm EST on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Streaming options are available for fans who miss the program’s premiere.
Viewers can stream Idol through the ABC app or Hulu.
Katy teased that Odell was being sent home when in reality, that was far from the truthCredit: ABC
On X, fka Twitter, Idol fans slammed Katy for playing with Odell’s emotionCredit: ABC
Katy has been called out for her seemingly obnoxious behavior on Idol for a while nowCredit: ABC
