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'Knows how to play': 'American Idol' fans slam Zachariah Smith for using sob story to gain sympathy votes

Zacharia Smith fails to make it to Top 3, fans question how did he make it this far

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA: On Sunday, May 14, 'American Idol' celebrated the enchantment of Disney by having the Top 5 sing Disney classics LIVE and voting for the Top 3. Unfortunately, Zachariah Smith's adventure came to an end, but fans don't seem to mind following his most recent performance.

Sofia Carson coached the contestants at the Disneyland Resort, while Halle Bailey sang on the first night of 'American Idol' this week. From coast to coast, Americans voted for the Top 5 LIVE. In the end, votes for two potential vocalists, Zachariah, and We Ani, fell short. We and Zachariah showed to be powerful voices, but they did not receive enough votes to go to the finale.

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'Entertainer's entertainer'

Zachariah was accompanied by his entire family to Disneyland. Sofia referred to him as "walking sunshine." His child was awestruck when she met Sofia. He performed 'Just Can't Wait to Be King' from 'Lion King' for his entire family, including his mother. The music selection was a little monotonous for the spectators, but it brightens up by the end. He was circling the stage. He wore a jungle-patterned shirt and captivated the stage with his dance movements.

Katy Perry applauded Zachariah's performance, saying he could be king. She remarked that she and Lionel Richie would "know a thing or two about that" having performed at the real king's coronation last week. Luke Bryan advised the "king" to continue enjoying his theatrical persona, while Lionel praised him for choosing a difficult arrangement.

Zachariah informed Ryan Seacrest that he wanted to make the finals, so he could show his brother what he was doing on 'Idol'. His sibling has autism and is unable to walk or speak. Zachariah's mother claimed that taking him to Disneyland had helped him reclaim his youth. He read aloud a letter to his mother in which he thanked her for shaping him into the man he is today.

Zachariah took the stage for the second time tonight, performing Rascal Flatts' 'Life is a Highway' from the 'Cars' soundtrack. He sang his heart out while performing with two electric guitars.

Lionel made fun of Zachariah while praising him for being an "entertainer's entertainer." Katy complimented Zachariah on being a "good man" and said he chose the ideal song. Luke even stated that Zachariah was superior to him.

'Zachariah is forgettable'

Reacting to Zach's performance, one viewer tweeted, "No. no. no, no. more yelling from Zach. What is with this version of a familiar song. Bye Zach." Another person described his performance as "Zachariah is forgettable imo." One fan noted, "Can't help but shake my head every time Zachariah's face hits the screen as a finalist. There was just so many more talented singers that didn't make it." Happy to see him gone, one person tweeted, "Don’t see why ppl are so upset over Zachariah , he literally is not a good singer lol."

On Reddit, fans have been comparing Zach saying, "Zach is destined to be a cruise ship singer - not a bad thing. But I don’t see a superstar." While another asked, "How in the world did zach make the top 5." One Redditor wrote, "Zach still giving wedding singer." On the other hand, one person seemed to have the answer, "I think Zach knows exactly how to play this American idol game, that’s why he’s made it this far."

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

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