‘American Idol’ Season 22 fans claim Emmy Russell 'cant sing' as she advances to top 8 over Kayko

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Emmy Russell faced backlash from "American Idol" fans who believed she didn't deserve a spot in the Top 8. They expressed frustration over her recent performances, feeling that other contestants who were eliminated were more deserving. Fans criticized Emmy for consistently progressing despite what they perceived as weaker performances compared to eliminated singers. Many viewers were particularly upset about Kaylo's elimination while Emmy remained safe, further fueling the controversy surrounding her presence in the competition.

"America you seriously voted #Kayko off and #EmmyRussell on. No way. Emmy should not have made the top 50 she can’t sing! Good god people can’t you all hear?," said a user on X. "Who is voting for Emmy?? Insane she keeps going through - if she doesn’t go tomorrow I am done watching the show!" said another user. "How does emmy keep going thru? She should have been gone the first round," added one. "Emmy needs to get in a bar fight before her next song. I need to see some LIFE in that girl. Some passion. Some attitude. Some emotion. ANYTHING dramatic or even pretend," added another.

America you seriously voted #Kayko off and #EmmyRussell on. No way. Emmy should not have made top 50 she can’t sing! Good god people can’t you all hear? #AmericanIdol

— ROEVEMBER VOTE BLUE SAVE DEMOCRACY (@ncalsuz) April 29, 2024

Who is voting for Emmy?? Insane she keeps going through - if she doesn’t go tomorrow I am done watching the show! #AmericanIdol

— ellen crimi-trent (@ellencrimitrent) April 29, 2024

How does emmy keep going thru? She should have been gone the first round. #AmericanIdol

— julie forbes (@julieforbes20) April 29, 2024

Emmy needs to get in a bar fight before her next song. I need to see some LIFE in that girl. Some passion. Some attitude. Some emotion. ANYTHING dramatic or even pretend. #AmericanIdol

— Jennifer (@Jennifer3271692) April 29, 2024

"This Emmy on #AmericanIdol," commented one. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME. AMERICA SENDING MIA MATTHEWS HOME OVER EMMY," commented another. "Wtf #AmericanIdol?? You better come out of your shell and move your ass next week Emmy and act like you deserve to be there. Mia & Kayko had much better performances," added one. "Who the FUCK put Emmy Russell through AGAINNNNNNNNN. AGAINNNNNNN," added another.

This Emmy on #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/gIX0PAX0AJ

— Brianna Penny (I) (@TheBriannaPenny) April 29, 2024

Wtf #AmericanIdol?? You better come out of your shell and move your ass next week Emmy and act like you deserve to be there. Mia & Kayko had much better performances.

— 🇺🇲Patriot4America🇺🇲 (@StarSpangledFan) April 29, 2024

Who the FUCK put Emmy Russell through AGAINNNNNNNNN. AGAINNNNNNN. #AmericanIdol

— Behan the Scene (@behanthescene) April 29, 2024

Luke Bryan thinks Emmy Russell looks "more free"

Despite the backlash from viewers, the judges had nothing but praise for Emmy Russell's performance. Lionel Richie expressed his admiration for her "storyteller" voice, mentioning that he couldn't help but smile throughout her performance. Katy Perry commended Emmy for her song choice, considering it her best vocal performance of the season. Luke Bryan noted that Emmy appeared more liberated in this performance than ever before, indicating a positive evolution in her stage presence and confidence.

"It was so you - and that's why we love you, that's why America loves you," Lionel said to Emmy.



'American Idol' Season 22 singer Emmy Russell praised by judges (ABC/EricMcCandless)

Shania Twain gives advice to Emmy Russell

Country singer Emmy Russell performed "All the Small Things" by Blink 182. Before this, Shania Twain expressed her awe at meeting Loretta Lynn's granddaughter, acknowledging the influence Lynn had on her own career, stating that there would be "no Shania without Loretta."

During rehearsals, Shania advised Emmy to incorporate more falsettos into her performance to showcase her vocal range and ability.



Emmy Russell advanced to Top the 8 (@abc)

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