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'Hard NO': 'American Idol' fans furious as judges put stripper mom Fire through after 'weak' performance

'Don't think the right thing for her is to drag this out. She's not in the same league as the other contestants,' a fan wrote

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The March 26th episode of 'American Idol' not only marked the final week of Season 21 tryouts, but it also welcomed back Fire Wilmore, the stripper mom whose 4-year-old daughter pulled hard enough on Katy Perry's emotions to win her mother a second audition with the judges. Even though she eventually obtained a Golden Ticket, fans question whether she deserved it.

During the fifth week of tryouts for Season 21 of 'American Idol', Fire was the final candidate. She sang Bruno Mars' "Talking to the Moon," but the judges weren't impressed. Katy requested that Fire not use falsetto and instead accept her full vocal. Nonetheless, Katy was the only juror who said yes to the artist. Katy consoled Fire by stating that whatever she was searching for would be found somehow. Fire's daughter declared that she had found the Golden Ticket, which she had taken from the wall. The devastated mother requested that her daughter put it back on the wall. This event won Fire a second, unusual opportunity to audition at Nashville. While some people felt this was a tragic scenario, others thought it was staged.

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Skeptical judges put Fire through Hollywood Week

Fire, who appeared "lighter and brighter" than when she first sang for them, offered the judges more of what they wanted with a "pretty" rendition of Adele's "Love in the Dark." She acknowledges that having her daughter with her last week was a touch overwhelming, but she's better prepared this time. The 22-year-old single mother powered through her nervousness by channeling the feelings she felt during her first performance, impressing the judges with her progress.

Lionel Richie praises her "big swing," but is skeptical that she can take it to the next level.

"Are you the best singer we’ve seen? Not at all," Luke Bryan replied. "But there’s just stuff about you that I’d really like to push you on. You’ve got a lot left to discover with all of that. I believe you’ve got to go through to learn." And with three yeses, Fire was on her way to Hollywood.

Katy concurs with Luke, and they both expect to see Fire succeed in Hollywood.

'This isn’t for everyone'

Agreeing with the judges, a fan wrote on Twitter, "Yeah Fire's singing skill needs big work but she does have a great tone and that's a natural gift." Another person added, "Kaya and Fire were both hard No's for me. Nice girls, but way too pitchy and weak for me. Guess that's why I'm not a judge." Pointing out what Luke said, a fan wrote, "Luke saying "Not at all" about Fire being the best singer! understand what he means, and she's not, but still, kinda the way it was put!" Criticizing her for her song choice, a fan wrote, "Who would pick to sing Adele for a second shot???? It wasn't good."

One fan tweeted, "I actually thought Fire’s last audition was better." Accusing the show for it being scripted, a fan quipped, "anyone shock fire got a yes.. no one.."

On YouTube, a viewer commented, "Man if only all contestants got a second chance. This isn’t for everyone." Another person added, "Don't think the right thing for her is to drag this out. She's not in the same league as the other contestants." One fan also noted, "I feel like they are just being nice. Her audition wasnt great..."

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

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