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'American Idol' Season 22 fans sense rivalry as Abby Blake's friend Sam Kelly-Cohen turns into a competition

Katy Perry said 'NO' to 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Abby Blake

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: In the audition round of 'American Idol' Season 22, contestant Abby Blake entered alongside her friend Sam Kelly-Cohen, known as Kayko. Interestingly, it appeared that Abby's 'good friend' garnered more attention during the audition.

Sam accompanied Abby on the piano during her performance on stage. Following Abby's performance, she introduced her friend to the judges. Sam confidently declared, "I'm a lead singer."  This statement surprised the judges, and Katy Perry exclaimed, "Come on, give us a little lead singing."

Abby then praised her friend, saying, "This man does everything, I'm not kidding you." The judges then asked Sam to perform, and fans cheered for Sam's performance more than for Abby.

A fan praised Sam, "TWO IN ONE?!?? the talent just KEEPS. A. COMING. abby & kayko everyone." Another claimed, "Kayko has a fantastic voice especially for someone who wasn’t going to audition."

A fan compared two friends, "I am liking Sam more than Abby tbh! He can siiiiiing." Another agreed to this, "OH YEAH, ABI IS TOP 2 FOR SURE." Another praised Sam, "Dude showed up to support his friend and showed out when given the opportunity to shine! Good stuff Sam!"

"Wow hes amazing!!! But maybe a little thunder stealing. Congratulations to him tho," claimed another fan. Another wondered, "Hmmmm? I wonder if Abby will have any regrets, about bringing Sam along to play piano for her, when he ends up making it farther in the competition than her?"

Sam Kelly-Cohen left 'shaken' after 'American Idol' Season 22 judges give him golden ticket

Knowing that Sam was a singer too, 'American Idol' judges asked him to sing for them. Hearing his melodious voice, the judges believed he was worth moving ahead in the show. Katy asked her fellow judges, "What do you think?" and both Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan said yes to Sam.

Sam was left shocked as they gave him a golden ticket. While handing over the golden ticket, Katy said, "If you want to, you could go to Hollywood too, I guess." Sam replied, "I'm literally shaken." He wasn't even thinking about auditioning for the show and ended up getting a ticket to the next round.

'American Idol' Season 22: Did Abby Blake get a golden ticket to Hollywood?

Lionel praised Abby's voice had an "edge" and he liked it. But, Katy wasn't exactly sold by Abby's voice. She said, "I thought you were kind of like cutting yourself short."

Katy said no to Abby. Lionel on the other hand said yes to Abby and believed she had "room to grow." The final decision depended on Luke and he said yes to her. Thankfully, both the friends, Abby and Sam, went home with a golden ticket.

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