'American Idol' Season 22 fans slam judges for 'giving anybody a yes' as Garrison Bennet wins Golden Ticket
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Garrison Bennett, resembling a youthful Lionel Richie, delivered a rendition of "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder during his 'American Idol' Season 22 audition. While the spectators appreciated the homage to the esteemed judge, many were skeptical about Garrison's potential as a Hollywood material.
The judges urged Garrison to be more vocal and active. "Be as cool as those sunglasses!" Katy Perry said as Garrison began singing. "Come on, son," Lionel said.
Nevertheless, his soulful rendition of a Stevie Wonder classic impressed the judges, drawing comparisons to Leon Bridges. Despite earning a Golden Ticket, both Katy and viewers at home anticipate "a little more energy" from Garrison.
On YouTube, fans wrote, "The voice is there; he has to carry it through, not just stop after a note!" Another user added, "don't know about the voice ." On X, people argued, "garrison wasnt that good." Another wrote, "He was a no for me. Sorry."
One fan wrote, "They just giving anybody a yes tonight… omg." Another added, "garrison wasnt that good."
They just giving anybody a yes tonight… omg 🤦🏾♀️ #AmericanIdol
— ~*Tavia*~ (@ItsTaviBaby24) March 25, 2024
One fan said, "It’s a no for him."
Luke Bryan calls for 'paternity test' as Lionel Richie lookalike Garrison Bennett takes stage
As Garrison enters the audition room, Judge Lionel immediately notices "the look." "I've rocked that exact outfit," admits the "All Night Long" singer. It soon becomes evident that Garrison's attire isn't the only similarity. "Oh, my God," gasps Judge Katy. "He looks like you!"
Indeed, the resemblance is striking, enough to startle Lionel. "I've got some pictures of me in high school and college, and that's the look," confesses the GRAMMY winner, visibly taken aback. Garrison admits it's not the first time he's heard this. "I get that a lot," the 19-year-old stated, as the following slide compares him to a younger Lionel.
Judge Luke Bryan joked that they'll need a paternity test "to make sure this isn't Lionel's child." "By the way," Lionel continues, "I'd be proud of that son."
Who is Garrison Bennett on 'American Idol' Season 22?
Garrison, a 19-year-old vocalist from Hickory, North Carolina, works for a landscaping firm. However, he reveals that his true passion has always been music.
In an interview with ABC11, Garrison shared that he is the middle child in a family of five brothers. He expressed that when he traveled to Nashville to audition, he was fully prepared to shine on his own. "Anything is possible, and if you have a goal, just keep pushing towards it," Garrison said. "Cause just a few months ago, I would've never thought I'd have this opportunity. Being able to look back at this just truly means everything. If you've got a goal - keep pushing for it."
When will 'American Idol' Season 22 Hollywood Week begin?
The final day of tryouts aired on Sunday, March 24, and the program will then enter its famed Hollywood week on Sunday, March 31. Following Hollywood Week, a Hawaii round will be recorded at Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa.
Tori Kelly and Jelly Roll will be the two famous music mentors in the Hawaii round. Then the live shows begin, with America voting for their favorites each week until the finals.
'American Idol' Season 22 airs on ABC every Sunday at 8 pm ET