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'This was rough': Fans slam 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Ajji for 'yelling' during performance

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Ajii received praise from Katy Perry and Lionel Richie

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Ajii bagged a spot in the Top 20 contestants and delivered his soulful performance to advance to the Top 14. Ajii was left shocked when host Ryan Seacrest announced that he was in the top 20. The visibly shocked finalist stood up and beat his chest with excitement.

However, Ajii's recent performance disappointed the viewers and received backlash for constantly 'yelling'. Ajii performed 'Like a Stone' by Audioslave. The ABC show judge Luke Bryan warned Ajii to not scream during his performances. Viewers echoed Luke's sentiments, asserting that Ajii's latest performance indeed sounded like yelling despite the warning.

An X user posted, "I love that song Like a stone but Ajii was just yelling too much." One fan said, "I didn't care for Ajis song tonight at all, it soundef like he was doing nothing but yelling."

Another critic noted, "Ajii didn’t sound as good tonight 😢." One user wrote, "I usually love Ajii but what the hell this was rough for me." Another viewer said, "Please stop voting for ajii ..literally same performance every week."

'American Idol' Season 22 judge Lionel Richie calls Ajii 'Mr Feelgood'

Despite the yelling, Ajii managed to impress the 'American Idol' Season 22 judges, especially Lionel Richie. The ABC show judge complimented Ajii and called him 'Mr Feelgood'. Meanwhile, Luke commented, "There was a lot of energy. Great job."

Luke again suggested, "Don't get too yelly." Katy Perry praised Ajii's song choice and appreciated that the aspiring singer pushed his vocals. Katy calls Ajii a "one-man mosh pit."

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Ajii reflects on his father's struggles

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Ajii dedicated his performance to his hardworking father. The ABC show contestant reflected on the struggles of his father in the pre-performance package. Ajii revealed that his father grew up in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. He further noted that his father moved to America for better opportunities and school.

He shared, "He just came out here on a limb, and thank god he did. Pops is a hard worker. He's been working nonstop." The ABC show contestant noted, "He's taking care of the family, so he hasn't had time to get off his job to come to 'American Idol' but he's rooting." Ajii shared that he wanted to make his father proud adding, "In my father's eyes, it's my dream now, you know and his dream for sure too."

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC.