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'American Idol' 2023: Judges compare Warren Peay to Chris Stapleton, fans ask 'where's originality?'

Warren Peay is a doppelganger of Chris Stapleton, having acquired plenty of music experience as a praise leader at his Baptist Church

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Warren Peay's audition on the March 19 episode of 'American Idol' wowed the Idol judges. However, fans were divided because they saw nothing that distinguished him from the other country performers.

Is that Chris Stapleton? When Warren Peay, a 23-year-old appliance repair technician from South Carolina, strolled into his 'American Idol' audition, that was the question on the judges' minds. Warren is a doppelganger of the gruff country singer, having acquired plenty of music experience as a praise leader at his Baptist Church. Warren is an equipment repairman. He enjoyed his work, residing in a tiny community, and attending church every Sunday. He also leads prayer at the neighborhood Baptist Church. Furthermore, he enjoys his life but aspires to be a musician.

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Lionel Richie calls Warren 'TOP 10'

Katy Perry equates Warren's appearance to that of Chris Stapleton. And, in fact, his approach is very similar -- he performs country songs with soulful passion. "It cuts through," Lionel Richie remarks. On the refrain, he brings out the twang. He's excellent, but he's a little too much of a Stapleton clone. His study vocals, on the other hand, demand focus.

He receives standing applause from the judges. Luke Bryan describes it as "bad-a**." Katy describes him as an "authentic Chris Stapleton." Katy would like to hear more rage combined with "that texture in your voice." Lionel describes Warren as "strong" and probably "top ten." Luke concurs. Warren is on his way to Hollywood.

'We see dozen of these singers'

Tired of listening to the same style of singers, a fan wrote, "No to warren.. feel like we see dozen of these singers." Another person added, "Warren sounds like every other country person… where’s the personality." Demanding more originality from the singer, a fan wrote, "Looks and sounds like him. Where is the originality."

Frustrated with the same comparison, a fan noted, "A thought while watching #AmericanIdol : 90% of the country guys end up sounding like Chris Stapleton. Not a terrible thing, necessarily, but it's like every lead singer in the 90s trying to be Eddie Vedder."

Mocking the judges for calling Warren a Top 10 contender, a fan quipped, "Everyone on tonight show is top something.." Done with the genre of music, a viewer tweeted, "Sick of country."

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

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