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'Came to promote the album and that is it': Internet slams guest judge Ed Sheeran's appearance on 'American Idol' 2023

'American Idol' fans were unhappy with Ed Sheeran being a guest judge on the show as they accused him of using the platform to promote his album

BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Ed Sheeran took over as a judge on 'American Idol' for a brief period of time when judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie traveled to the United Kingdom to sing for King Charles' coronation. Fans expected Adam Lambert to fill in as a temporary substitute, but the gifted British singer-songwriter stepped in instead.

When the lineup for the Coronation Concert was being finalized in February, promoters were informed that Sheeran would be too busy to play. Instead, they recruited celebrities such as Katy, who is taking a night off from her present position as a judge on the TV talent show 'American Idol' to perform at Windsor Castle. But guess who's taking her place on the famous US show tonight? It's Sheeran! The 'Shape Of You' singer may have freed some space in his diary after winning the copyright lawsuit in court in New York recently.

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Before Warren Peay broke into 'All I Really Want' by Alanis Morissette, King Charles spoke with Lionel and Katy. Warren shone without the guitar, according to Ed, and the singer used it as a barrier between himself and the audience. Zachariah Smith sang Alanis Morissette's 'Ironic' next. Zachariah's "powerful" voice charmed Ed. Later, Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele sang a duet of 'Photograph' by Ed. Ed admired how wonderfully their voices complemented one another.

Haven Madison saw Alanis as the greatest songwriting idol, therefore this was an exciting opportunity for her. She selected 'You Learn' by Alanis since the 17-year-old is still growing as a result of this event. Ed adored the teen's voice. Ed especially liked the chorus and called it “captivating”. Luke, on the other hand, remarked on her freedom and comfort on stage. Haven never utilized her falsetto, according to him.

Warren went back on the stage with We Ani, singing 'Perfect' by Ed. Ed was beaming from ear to ear the entire time and stated that he was simply having fun. "I'm just loving these renditions," Ed said, adding, "Thank you so much for doing it."

Colin Stough sang 'Hand in My Pocket'' as his solo. According to Sheeran, it was "really, really up my alley." "I love how it rocks out in the end," he said, adding, You're doing it in a way that makes it your own.."

'Did he do this show to promote himself?'

As Ed gave feedback to the contestants, one viewer wrote, "Had Ed watched #AmericanIdol before, he's horrible at giving feedback.." One asked, "Not Ed Sheeran on american idol after just beating a case!?!?" Anothed asked, "Ed sheeran even trying tonight?" One fan felt, "Ed Sheeran is really kind of mediocre at this point."

Fans accused him of using the show to promote his song as one said, "Ed came to promote the album and that is IT. No criticisms, no notes. Just snippets of his new songs lol." Another mirrored the same sentiment and wrote, "Not #AmericanIdol playing 15-20 seconds of each new Ed Sheeran music video. Did he do this show to promote himself? Are his streams that bad?"

One fan also felt, "These ed sheeran music videos look like they were exhausting to film." Another viewer added, "Ed Sheeran it was nice of him to step in but if this was his audition to be judge on one of these shows he’s failing."

On Reddit, fans wrote, "Lmao Ed giving absolutely nothing every time." Another viewer added, "Ed giving 'I was told to be here by management to promote my album' vibes." One fan felt, "Ed Sheeran could not look more out of his element."

Another user wrote, "Ya I definitely have a feeling Ed’s management said he should be a one night only judge to promote his album. Ed wouldn’t do this otherwise and it shows 😭." One viewer wrote, "Ryan thanking Ed for his generosity for being there as Ed's album and docuseries gets promoted to infinity. Lmao!" One also said, "ABC bending the knee."

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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