‘Shouldn’t be safe’: ‘American Idol’ fans hope for Jennifer Jefferies' elimination ahead of top 20 reveal

Despite winning over 'American Idol' judges hearts, Jennifer failed to win some fans' hearts
Jennifer Jeffries received criticism from the 'American Idol' Season 22 fans (@abc)
Jennifer Jeffries received criticism from the 'American Idol' Season 22 fans (@abc)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Jeffries secured her spot in the top 20 of American Idol Season 22 after impressing the judges with her soulful vocals and heartfelt performance as she chose to sing "Grave Digger" by Matt Maeson. 

Jeffries also expressed her passion for journaling in her package, sharing her excitement about her journey on 'American Idol.' She eagerly anticipated discovering her fate in the competition, expressing optimism about the outcome. "I can't wait to see what my ending is for American Idol," Jeffries said. 

However, some fans expressed their reservations about Jeffries' advancement to the top 20, believing that other contestants deserved the spot more. Despite her talent, some viewers perceived Jennifer's performances as not quite meeting the high standards set by other contestants.

"Emmy and Jennifer need to go home tomorrow," a user wrote. "Jennifer shouldn’t have been safe let’s start there…," said another. "Jennifer’s voice does NOTHING for me besides make me want to mute tbh," added one. 



 



 



 

Others mocked her vocals, stating they would not continue watching the show if she progressed to the next level. "Y'all really let anyone in the top 20 huh. Jennifer sounds like she constantly has mucus stuck in her throat," said one fan.

"If Odell doesn't make it and Jennifer Jefferies does I'm not watching," said another. "Katy Perry shut up, Jennifer Hudson SERIOUSLY," wrote another one. 



 



 



 

Jelly Roll 'hears pain' in Jennifer's voice 

Mentor Jelly Roll couldn't stop but praise Jeffries for her amazing vocals. "When you open your mouth, I hear a lifetime of pain and conviction and it moves me in a way that I rarely move,” Jelly Roll told Jeffries after the performance.

“I expect Mississippi State to go crazy.” Katy also chipped in, "I think you’re in the process of turning into the diamond we know you are,” Perry said. “You are truly one of the most unique voices in this competition. It’s so authentic. It’s so Mississippi. It’s so Jennifer Jeffries." 

Jelly Roll reflects on life as the singer rises as the greatest of country singers (Jelly Roll/ Instagram)
Jelly Roll hears pain in Jeffires voice (Jelly Roll/ Instagram)

Jennifer Jeffries was in shock after being selected for 'American Idol' Season 22 

Jennifer Jeffries, a 17-year-old high school senior, was surprised when she cleared the audition for 'American Idol.' Before the audition round, she confessed in a video that she was nervous. Jennifer mentioned that she submitted a video to the show, not expecting to be selected. In a short clip, she expressed disbelief in her voice, doubting that it was good enough to make it to the audition. 

Jennifer's parents have 9 kids, and she is the youngest among them. She started writing original songs when she was just 9 years old. Jennifer said, "The songs I write are about personal things, things I have gone through, the things I have witnessed." She added, "I write them so that people can connect with them and know they are not alone because a lot happens in your life, a lot of pain but a lot of joy, so I try to capture both." 

17-year-old Jennifer Jeffries dubbed the 'winner' of 'American Idol' 2024 (ABC)
17-year-old Jennifer Jeffries was shocked after getting into 'American Idol' 2024 (ABC)

Catch new episodes of 'American Idol' Season 22 every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC. The latest episodes are available to stream next day on Hulu.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Jeff Probst shares that ‘Survivor 50’ will abide by the wishes of fans, but will add its own twist to it.
7 hours ago
During the mixer, Bri reflected on how DeMari ended things with her in the past after her grandmother’s passing.
8 hours ago
‘In the City’ Episode 1 saw Kyle and Amanda meet a few months after their split and reflect on their relationship
12 hours ago
Jenny Slatten and Sumit Singh are facing a heartbreaking new chapter after a frightening health scare led to her life-changing ALS diagnosis.
13 hours ago
After fellow cast members confronted Amanda about her and West’s relationship, she got emotional and left the stage.
13 hours ago
After the group enjoyed their final Hamptons party, Amanda and Kyle had a one-on-one conversation that left their relationship's future uncertain.
15 hours ago
Cooke and Batula were first reported to be living separately in November, 2025 and confirmed their separation in a joint statement two months later.
1 day ago
The star denied ‘RHOBH’ pause rumors, but the conversation around the show's future and her relationship with Mauricio Umansky remains heated.
1 day ago
Five-time player Rob Mariano reflected on the CBS show’s current season and who he has been rooting for to win.
1 day ago
Captain Jason made a major decision after learning about Jenna's behavior involving Eddy and Ben
1 day ago