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'American Idol' Season 22 viewers left disappointed after judges fail to save Odell Bunton Jr from elimination

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Odell Bunton Jr was in danger zone

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Odell Bunton Jr found himself in the danger zone after failing to garner enough votes to advance to the Top 14. However, the ABC show judges, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie also didn't 'save' the aspiring singer leading to his elimination from the show.

During the Top 14 reveal, Odell performed Elevation Worship's song 'Wait on You'. The platinum ticket winner's gospel performance received praise from the ABC show judges. Luke complimented, "We've got so many singers in your category." Luke also suggested that the gospel singers would split the votes.

Despite the acclaim for his performance, the decision by the ABC show judges not to save Odell drew criticism from viewers. A social media user wrote, "America Odell not in the top 14 wtf man🙄 leaving these talented singers in the hands of America is stupid." Another person added, "Sorry, but Odell was far better than Will and Kayko."

Another critic noted, "I really like everyone on #americanidol this season, but I think they made a really really terrible mistake by eliminating Odell and Quintavious. I am furious and honestly heart broken. They both deserved top 14." Another wrote, "This is exactly why I stopped watching #AmericanIdol. There is no way Odell should not have made it to the top 14."

Another fan said, "Odell gets sent home on American Idol. The judges saved Jayna and Jordan over him and Quintavious?! Woww if Tristan doesn't make the top 3 I will never watch this show again! So many went home that should have been in place of a lot that made it." Another viewer wrote, "But Odell? ODELLL … he was better than THE WHOLE TOP 14 😭😭😭😭 I- chile this season is trash..."

Odell Bunton Jr breaks down in tears after Katy Perry's fake out

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Odell Bunton Jr recently broke down in tears after Katy Perry faked out his elimination. During the Hollywood Week episodes, Odell impressed the judges with his rendition of 'Bring it on Home to Me' by Sam Cooke.

Odell also opened up about his challenges in providing for his family. The aspiring singer shared with the judges, "Man, it's tough. We got a total of 12 people living in a hotel room. Just two beds and a little kitchen area." As Odell awaited his results, Katy referenced his house struggles and said, "It's a lot of pressure, having a platinum ticket."

The ABC show judge added, "I don't even know what the pressure is having 12 people under one roof." Odell held back his tears as Katy said, "It's gonna be up to America from here on out because you're in our Top 24." Odell bent to his knees and broke down in tears after Katy's announcement.

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Odell Bunton Jr receives advice from Jelly Roll

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Odell Bunton received singing advice from mentor Jelly Roll during Disney Week. Jelly claimed that Odell was afraid of 'overdoing'. The singer shared, "He knows what he’s got but I think he’s almost afraid of overdoing it. For him to have a great performance, he’s got to let loose."

Jelly tried to motivate Odell and said, "This is the biggest moment of your career, man. So I would go all in." 28-year-old Odell was one of the older ABC show contestants and Luke Bryan pointed out his age while comparing his determination with Jelly. Luke said, "I hosted the CMA Awards and Jelly Roll stood up there at 39 and he won Best New Artists. It’s never too late."

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC.