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'American Idol' Season 22 viewers left furious over Nya's elimination amid her 'phenomenal voice'

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Nya failed to earn viewers' votes to advance to Top 12

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Nyachomba Muchai-Kinya aka Nya failed to earn enough votes to grab a spot in the Top 12 contestants. Despite delivering a captivating rendition of Aretha Franklin's 'Say A Little Prayer' that wowed the ABC show judges, Nya fell short with the voters.

During the pretaped video, Nya received guidance from the guest mentor Gene Simmons. The singer suggested that Nya replicate what she did in rehearsal but amplify it even further. Gene admitted in the confessional, "She's fighting for survival." The guest mentor added, "And for the record, she's got a good shot."

Nya kicked off her performance with chorus and concluded with receiving a standing ovation from the ABC show judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. However, the viewers were left furious and disappointed after Nya was eliminated from the singing competition despite her 'phenomenal voice'.

An X user posted, "But Nya should've DEFINITELY not been eliminated! She’s has a phenomenal voice!!" Another person added, "NYA WAS ROBBED !!!! We ride at dawn." Another critic noted, "Sending Nya home and keeping some of these other people is absolutely crazy." Another wrote, "I can’t believe it!! NYA had one of the best performances!!! #robbed."

One user said, "Okay so I’m officially done with #AmericanIdol. Nya deserves SO MUCH MORE. You really fucked it up America." Another viewer wrote, "Ok seriously Nya should’ve been the 1st one to go to the next round not go home. She’s better than half the contestants. Wake up America!!" One fan wrote, "Nya got robbed!"

Guest mentor Gene Simmons calls Nya a 'star'

Guest mentor Gene Simmons praised Nya's performance, and proudly shouted from his seat, "You are a star!" Gene also said the aspiring singer's rendition was "mind-bendingly good." Lionel Richie also had a similar reaction and noted, "You are a star. VOTE VOTE VOTE. This lady is amazing."

Katy Perry complimented on how Nya sang 'the best' she'd ever sang 'from top to bottom'. She added, "You did it so well. My favorite I’ve ever heard you do." Meanwhile, Luke Bryan shared, "It was so effortless and so smooth." He then joked that Nya needed to 'make it look a little difficult' for everyone else watching.

Nya reflects on Gene Simmons' advice

Nya recently reflected on the advice and guidance she had received from 'American Idol' Season 22's mentor, Gene Simmons. In a recent interview with ABC7, Nya said, "He had so many good things to say about me and was throwing me in with names like Donna Summer and Diana Ross."

The aspiring singer added, "So like to have that kind of feedback from someone who is actually a legend in the music industry is a huge confidence boost in like a huge push that I'm right where I'm supposed to be going in the right direction," she said. Nya further shared that it has been incredible meeting the different stars on the latest season.

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