'American Idol' Season 22 fans slam ABC for 'death spot and flop song choice' as Odell Bunton Jr fails to impress
HONOLULU, HAWAII: Odell Bunton Jr sang Mark Ronson's 'Uptown Funk' starring Bruno Mars, during the Hawaii Round of 'American Idol' Season 22. Despite receiving favorable feedback from the ABC judges, fans aren't crazy about his music choice.
Odell first met guest coach Jelly Roll on the April 8 edition of the ABC program. This means a lot to the platinum ticket winner, who looked up to and even cited Jelly Roll during his audition.
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Jelly Roll urged Odell to let free. Odell was the first contestant to win one of three Platinum tickets, although his performance of 'Uptown Funk' was not well received.
On Reddit, fans wrote, "Odell could have chosen a better song in my opinion." Another user chimed in, "Ooof with this song choice Odell. I was hoping he would do a ballad. This song does nothing for his voice. Once again, any bad song choices I blame on production."
Some users believe Odell opening the shows is also hurting his performance and votes as they write, "Totally agree. That and going first could hurt him." A fourth user agreed, "Odell with the death spot and this flop song choice.."
Already calling his fate, one fan sighed, "So long, Odell. We hardly knew ye." One user also wondered, "Why is Odell singing this song? I would rather hear him sing almost any other song."
'American Idol' judges praise Odell Bunton Jr's performance
Odell sang with a beautiful, burnished tone. But Jelly Roll was correct: he needed to let loose on stage.
His style is too casual and laid-back. Regardless, it's a strong start to Monday's performances. Jelly Roll described it as "incredible…you listened to everything I said."
Lionel Richie praised Odell's ability to elicit an emotional response from the audience. "It's so good," commented Katy Perry, who admired his "sparkle hand." Luke Bryan believes Odell put his mark on a Christian tune.
Who is Odell Bunton Jr on 'American Idol' Season 22?
Odell is a 29-year-old Christian artist from Austin, Texas. He's also no stranger to singing competitions, having been in the Top 20 on BET's Sunday's Best in the summer of 2013.
He has also released music, including a track titled 'Look at Me Now' as BIG TWO4 in April. Odell also released an EP under his name in 2014, which featured the song 'Beautiful.'
He's also been promoting his record, "Recovery Mode."
'American Idol' Season 22 singer Odell Bunton Jr has been suffering from depression
According to his TikTok, Odell has fought with depression. He's also a praise and worship leader who uses music to promote the gospel at the Purpose and Destiny Center, where his parents are pastors.
According to his site page, he began singing at the age of seven.
'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC
