'American Idol' Season 22 fans left furious as ABC show judges advance Kayko over Abby Blake

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Kayko performed an original song during Hollywood Week
UPDATED APR 1, 2024
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Kayko and Abby Blake are friends (@abc)
'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Kayko and Abby Blake are friends (@abc)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Sam Kelly-Cohen aka Kayko recently advanced to the Showstopper round. The talented singer auditioned for the ABC show with his best friend Abby Blake. Unfortunately, Abby was eliminated in Hollywood Week, leaving viewers furious over the judges' decision.

During Hollywood Week, Kayko performed a song he wrote about his audition and the imposter syndrome he was feeling in Hollywood. The aspiring singer's song 'What If?' brought a smile to Katy Perry's face which later turned into tears. He received a standing ovation for his performance.

Katy complimented Kayko, "You're not the accident, you're the opportunity." Luke also praised and said, "We're so glad you took a chance."

Meanwhile, Abby performed 'Vienna' by Billy Joel. She was quite nervous and failed to impress the judges. Katy said, "The nerves got the best of your vibrato, but it was a step up from your audition."

Despite the efforts, the judges chose Kayko over Abby and she was eliminated. The viewers called out the ABC show over the rejection.

A social media user tweeted, "How awful that Abby got cut and her friend who wasn’t even auditioning got to stay." Another person added, "Abby was so good! WTF!!!!!" Another critic noted, "Abby!!! American Idol that is wild your friend got in and not you."



 



 



 

Another internet user said, "He only Join American Idol Because Katy wanted Him to sing & She thought Kayko was better Then His friend Abby Who was originally The one to audition & She Just Ignore Her like Abby wasn't In the same room As Her, I didn't forget So Yeah It was A mistake Sorry Ryan!!!" Another viewer penned, "Amy and Kayko getting split up is sad."



 



 

Kayko got an accidental chance on 'American Idol'

Kayko is an accidental 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant. He went to the Nashville audition to accompany his best friend Abby Blake. He was there to play the piano while Abby auditioned for the ABC show.

However, Abby introduced her friend and Kayko declared, "I'm a lead singer." The ABC show judges were left surprised and decided to give him a chance to audition.

Katy Perry exclaimed, "Come on, give us a little lead singing." However, he impressed the judges and was advanced to the next round.

Kayko gets an accidental chance on 'American Idol' (@abc)
Initially, Kayko didn't plan to audition for 'American Idol' (@abc)

Abby Blake claims Kayko deserves to be in 'American Idol'

During Hollywood Week, Abby Blake admitted to being nervous before her performance. She also supported her best friend Kayko and complimented him. She graciously talked about Kayko.

Abby said, "Kayko has really just been blowing me away." She added, "He completely deserves to be here along with everybody else."

Meanwhile, Kayko was grateful for the opportunity and also supported his friend Abby.

Abby Blake claims Kayko deserves to be in 'American Idol' (@abc)
Abby Blake claims Kayko deserves to be in 'American Idol' Season 22 (@abc)

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

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