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'American Idol' Season 18: Peyton and Madison get a second chance during duets, fans say it was the right call

A few breezed through the duets with a perfect partner, while Madison and Peyton's duet was off to a greasy start

While most of us are at home in quarantine, the bright side is that we still got more of Hollywood Week in 'American Idol' with the series returning on Sunday night. While some of the contestants let nerves cost them their spot in the competition, for Peyton and Madison, it was fried chicken that almost got them a spot in the next round. 

'American Idol' Season 18 returned on Sunday night for the second round of Hollywood Week, and for the first time in history, the judges change things up. Unlike the usual group rounds that are held during Hollywood week, the judges took things up a notch by revealing that the contestants will instead be performing in groups.

Last week, we saw a few of our favorite contestants, who we assumed would make it further in the competition, get booted. Back again this week, duets seemed to have taken a toll on the contestants. Though a few breezed through it with a perfect partner, Madison and Peyton's duet was off to a greasy start. 

When Peyton was nowhere to be found, Maidson shared, "I can't find my partner. Like, he has not been up here. Not being able to find Peyton really bothers me. Not having someone here to practice when we need to be practicing."

Meanwhile, Madison managed to narrow down a song to sing, she chose 'Don’t You Wanna Stay' by Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson. After a lot of searching, in-house mentor Bobby Bones and Madison found Peyton addressing to his own needs, which was gas station fried chicken. "I've been in my room eating chicken wings. I went to the store and got some chicken wings. I was very hungry. I'm not used to all this cauliflower."

To make the situation worse, Peyton decided to play his guitar during their performance, instead of the piano, without prior practice. It wasn't a smooth sail, but they somehow made it work. Peyton apologized to Madison for his lethargic behavior and requested the judges to consider her performance without his mistakes and behavior since she wasn't the one to be blamed. 

Luckily, they both got the second chance they deserved. Lionel Richie shared, "We're very touched by your humility, your honesty. So my fellow judges and I have decided to give you a second chance. You're both going through."

Taking to Twitter after their performance, fans appreciate the judges for giving the duo another chance. "That duet wasn’t the best but Madison and Peyton are both so talented so I’m glad they’re getting another chance. #AmericanIdol," a fan wrote. 

"You can tell the judges really care because Peyton and Madison got another chance," a fan shared. Another said, "I give MAJOR Props to @LionelRichie @katyperry and @LukeBryanOnline for giving Madison and Peyton another chance! Give yourselves a hand, Judges!" 

"Everyone deserves a second chance when they mess up to make it right," a fan wrote. Adding to that another said, "You were great, Madison and I am glad to see you getting another chance!" 

'American Idol' airs on Sunday and Monday nights at 8 pm ET on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.