HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

'American Idol' Season 22 fans left furious over Dawson Slade's 'flat' country performance as he earns Golden Ticket

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Dawson Slade accompanied by his son and mother for his audition

MOULTON, ALABAMA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Dawson Slade performed 'I Hope You Dance' by Lee Ann Womack for his ABC show audition. He accompanied himself on guitar. Luke Bryan complimented his guitar-playing skills.

Katy Perry complimented Dawson but asked for more of an 'attack.' Lionel Richie felt he needed more time, giving a 'no.' However, Luke granted a second chance, hearing potential songwriter vibes. Dawson sang 'Something Else Will' by Justin Moore, impressing Katy and Luke after shedding the guitar.

Luke claimed that he heard 'songwriter vibes' but not artist vibes and asked Dawson to sing any song he knew. The contestant performed 'Something Else Will' by Justin Moore. Katy asked him to sing without his guitar. She tried to break him out of his laconic style to reach the high pitch. Katy and Luke were impressed with Dawson's second performance. Katy encouraged him to use his vocal range, while Luke offered a golden ticket. Lionel, skeptical, asked Dawson to prove him wrong in Hollywood Week. Viewers disputed his golden ticket, criticizing his 'flat' country voice.

A social media user commented, "I'm sorry but his voice wasn't on par with many of the other singers this season." Another X user tweeted, "That was too flat for me." Another internet user penned, "Sorry...but if that "country" artist got a yes... then Nya deserves a HELL YES."

Another critic wrote, "Dawson Slade on guitar. Great gritty tone and use of dynamics. He took his time and gave the words their full weight. His choice for the chorus fit his voice but wasn't very exciting." Another viewer said, "Dawson no... is that even good country."

'American Idol' Season 22 judge Katy Perry meets her lookalike

'American Idol' Season 22 judge Katy Perry encountered her doppelganger on the ABC show. Katy was taken aback when Dawson Slade's mother, Lindsay, entered the room. They posed for a side-by-side photo, with Katy describing the resemblance as 'scary.' She further commented on Lindsay, saying, "She's the first. She's the prototype." Katy admired Lindsay's appearance and wondered, "Is that what I'm going to look like when I'm a grandma? Cause I would love it."

Dawson Slade brings his son to his 'American Idol' Season 22 audition

Dawson Slade brought his family, including his toddler, to his 'American Idol' Season 22 audition. Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were astonished to learn that the 17-year-old Dawson is a father. In a confessional, the aspiring singer shared that he often performs for his son, stating, "My son is by far the best thing that has ever happened in my life."

He further expressed, "This is the dream. I got a lot of nerves going on right now, but I told myself, just got to remember why you’re doing this and who you’re doing it for and not just yourself." Dawson recently released his first original song titled 'Home In My Heart' on streaming platforms. Additionally, he joined country singer Trey Lewis on stage for his final tour date, covering 'Friends in Low Places' by Garth Brooks.

'American Idol' Season 22 premieres every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC.