'American Idol' Season 22 fans claim Kaibrienne Richins' performance of her dad's favorite song left her 'too nervous'
HONOLULU, HAWAII: Kaibrienne "KB" Richins, a 20-year-old from Henefer, Utah, performed 'Heaven' by Bryan Adams, her father's favorite, during the Hawaii Round of 'American Idol' Season 22. Fans, however, believed she sounded unsteady on Sunday night, maybe due to anxiety.
ABC viewers liked her raspy voice, but they also thought she was a little off. On X, fans noted, "That wasnt good, KB." Another user chimed in, "KB reminds me some of Haley Reinhart. If she can just be more confident I think she could make a deep run... but its all about confidence."
KB reminds me some of Haley Reinhart. If she can just be more confident I think she could make a deep run... but its all about confidence #AmericanIdol
— Ryan (@ThatOhioKidRyan) April 8, 2024
One user argued, "I thought she was the worst of the night and probably shouldn't be there." A fourth user noted, "KB's continuing confidence issues are playing w/ her."
I thought she was the worst of the night and probably shouldn't be there.
— Grace Allen (@GraceAllen51) April 8, 2024
KB -- singing "Heaven" by Bryan Adams - Tori BELIEVES she can go a half step higher, but KB's continuing confidence issues are playing w/ her - That RASP and EMOTION - PERFECT song choice for her - it was SO GOOD #AmericanIdol
— Josh Kennon (@skatefan78) April 8, 2024
On Instagram, fans wrote, "I think going up a half step made her too nervous. she did fine but nerves took over. That songs lyrics are happy but the delivery was more sad and nerve wracking... like a somber tone...barely any smiling."
On Reddit, fans felt, "Snooze fest, need KB to push herself more." Another user chimed in, "KB perhaps in some trouble with the vote tonight? Sort of a vocal road trip with a malfunctioning GPS."
Some argued, "It was great in spots but I can tell she only did that for her dad but didn’t really feel that song for herself." "KB has a great voice, but I kept waiting for that mic drop moment and it felt like the music was building but she was the same energy across the song," wrote another.
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Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins got 'American Idol' Season 22 judges on their feet
Tori Kelly and Lionel Richie were on their feet during KB's performance. Tori stated that KB has the skills, but she needs to believe in herself.
Lionel noted that the emotion in KB's voice gave him shivers. Katy Perry described her as having one of their most distinct voices and expressed her wish that she would continue to compete.
Luke Bryan sees "star vibes" in KB and can't wait to see her confidence grow.
Who is Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins on 'American Idol' Season 22?
Surprisingly, KB delayed posting her first singing post on Instagram until December, when she showcased great vocals with a hint of rasp on a cover of 'To Make You Feel My Love.' Now, while it was KB's first singing post on her page, there are countless more on her father Jewell's YouTube account.
She graduated from high school in May 2021. She's also built a sizable social media following on TikTok, with 117,000 followers and more than 6 million likes.
Who is 'American Idol' Season 22 singer Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins's father?
KB is not just a gifted vocalist, but also the product of a supportive and caring family. Her father, Justin Jewell Richins, has been a source of inspiration and support throughout her musical career.
From sharing meaningful moments on TikTok to accompanying her to her 'American Idol' audition, Justin has been by KB's side, encouraging her along. His pleasure in her successes shows through in his social media posts, reflecting their tight relationship as father and daughter.
KB's relationship with her father is matched by her bond with her siblings, especially her younger sister, Karrisyn.
'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays at 8 pm ET on ABC.