'American Idol' Season 18: Judges send Camryn home for singing gospel song, fans cry foul over 'bad decision'
Fans are outraged with the show's judges after they sent 16-year-old worship leader Camryn Leigh Smith home for singing a gospel song.
'American Idol' Season 18 returned on Sunday night for an all-new episode. While it was fun in the sun and beaches for half the contestants in Aulani, Hawaii, it wasn't for the other half who were sent home.
Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan had to whittle down the Top 40 contestants into Top 20, and sadly worship leader Camryn wasn't one of them. Taking to the stage, Camryn performed her rendition of 'Break Every Chain' by Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
While her performance and range was powerful, the judges deemed it too safe for her. Katy said that she should have performed something that would "include everyone". She also added that “here at 'American Idol', we’ve got to see growth."
Though she was eliminated, Camryn stood by her performance and said she wouldn't stop doing what she loves doing. We don't know if it was a sign from above or just the tropical climate, but it started to rain after Camryn received her feedback from the judges.
Fans on Twitter were outraged by the judges' decision to eliminate Camryn because she sang a gospel song. "Wasn’t a fan of Katy saying Camryn needs to make song choices that 'include everyone' - I think her song choice did. #AmericanIdol," a fan wrote.
Another shared, "Camryn did a great job tonight! However, it's sad to hear the judges say that they love her voice but because she chose a Christian song she wasn't taken a risk. She followed her heart and that's better than any earthly award!"
"The reasoning that Katy gave for Camryn leaving shows how underrated Gospel is. She shouldn’t have to switch lanes if that’s her thing," a fan said while another shared, "Damn you @AmericanIdol. Camryn Leigh Smith has the best voice on here and stuck to her morals. Bad decision cutting her tonight."
"Camryn needs growth? I thought the song choice was fine. Could have felt more emotion but judging on the basis of genre?? A country singer can be straight based country and not cater to everyone...but Camryn can’t stay with her musical genre??" a fan questioned.
'American Idol' Season 18 airs every Sunday and Monday night only on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.