Uche Ndubizu and Dimitrius Graham eliminated from 'American Idol' season 17 after Disney night, fans disappointed

Though it was a happy theme, toward the end of the night, the stage was anything but happy when the season had to say goodbye to two contestants during a double elimination round
PUBLISHED APR 23, 2019

On Sunday night when 'American Idol' season 17 aired on ABC, we witnessed the Top 10 contestants battle it by singing songs from Disney's song catalog. Though it was a happy theme, toward the end of the night, the stage was anything but happy when the season had to say goodbye to two contestants during a double elimination round. 

For Disney Night, the contestants were able to choose from hundreds of iconic Disney tunes from over the years. The Top 10 contestants had 'Pitch Perfect' star Rebel Wilson mentor them for their performances. Judge Katy Perry also dressed up as one of the most popular Disney villains. Perry surprised her fans dressed as Ursula from 'The Little Mermaid'. 



 

But sadly all the fun had to come to an end after the performances and the tally of the live votes when two contestants were eliminated from the competition. The two contestants who were eliminated were Uche Ndubizu and Dimitrius Graham. Both Ndubizu and Graham were not voted through by America last week. They were saved by the judges. But sadly, this week, neither one of them were able to capitalize and both were eliminated due to receiving the least number of votes from America. 

After it was revealed that the only two black contestants were eliminated from the competition, fans went on to allege racism and were disappointed that Uche Ndubizu was eliminated, especially after Lionel Richie's major save last week. 

For his Disney Night performance, Ndubizu performed his version of 'I 2 I' from 'A  Goofy Movie'. It was a bold move since very few people have heard this song. After his performance, the judges, who were usually filled with positive comments for the singer, found it hard to say anything positive about his performance. Sadly this marked the end of his journey and he was eliminated. 



 

"I was hoping they would save him again but sadly I think the voters would just make the same decision :( I would trade one person out for Uche for sure...there was one person I don't think should be there. Oh well :(," wrote a fan on Reddit. Adding to that another fan said, "Shocking and disappointing voting results on #AmericanIdol tonight. Audience got rid of the wrong ones. Alyssa & Walker should've gone not #Uche & #Dimitrius The heart & soul ripped out and judges didn't use the save. Glad Alejandro, Wade, Laci & Laine still alive." 

One fan said, "America what have you done!? #AmericanIdol #Uche #BringBackUche." Apart from being disappointed that Ndubizu got eliminated, fans were also calling the series racist since it eliminated the last two black contestants left this season. 

"#AmericanIdol #DisneyNight #Racist #Fake #Rigged #Bogus I am going to reprogram my DVR to NOT record any of the remaining shows because @AmericanIdol has proven they are RACIST and this whole show was a shameless plug for @Disney why were the only two black guys in the bottom 2?" asked a fan on Twitter. 

Another fan on Twitter said, "@AmericanIdol @LionelRichie @katyperry @LukeBryanOnline @RyanSeacrest WHAT THE HECK DID Y’ALL JUST DO?? Y’all can’t eliminate @UcheSings and @thisismeechi on #AmericanIdol  #DisneyNight on #EasterSunday! This is the worst elimination of black men since the Atlanta Super Bowl."



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

From sci-fi thrillers to critical darlings, Netflix axed 8 shows, proving that even global popularity can't guarantee a place on its streaming lineup.
3 hours ago
At the end of Season 2, Wednesday took off in her Uncle Fester’s motorcycle sidecar in search of her roommate Enid
4 hours ago
The sophomore season of 'Landman' saw Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) passing on the mantle to his son Cooper Norris.
4 hours ago
Floods halt filming mid-shoot, forcing a sudden location switch in Spain as the team scrambles to stay on schedule for the next season.
4 hours ago
Season 4 of 'Sullivan's Crossing' picks up the day after the titular character leaves for Ireland with his girlfriend
5 hours ago
The sophomore season of 'Heated Rivalry' is being adapted from the book 'The Long Game' by author Rachel Reid
5 hours ago
The third installment of the medical drama series is set four months after the events of Season 2 and will premiere in early 2027
8 hours ago
Alex Garland, who previously directed another major A24 film in 'Civil War', is onboard as the writer and director
9 hours ago
'Marshals' finale will feature some interesting devlopments for fans to hold on to until its fall premiere
9 hours ago
Euphoria is the official remake of an Israeli series by the same name, but it seems to have some real-life experiences incorporated into it.
23 hours ago