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'American Idol' Season 22 viewers slam Abi Carter for advancing to Top 8 despite sounding 'bad'

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Abi Carter pushed her limits and performed without a piano

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 22 aspiring singer Abi Carter advanced to Top 8 contestants after she earned viewers votes. However, the critics didn't find Abi's performance deserving and criticized her song choice.

Abi, born in 2002, chose to perform Coldplay's song, 'Clocks'. Guest mentor Shania Twain helped Abi command the stage while still maintaining the pitch. Abi admitted during the rehearsals that her mother is a huge fan of Shania. Ditching the piano, she engaged directly with the crowd during her performance.

Lionel Richie praised Abi's performance, "You're on fire." Despite the judge's compliment, the viewers felt that Abi was screaming. On X, a fan wrote, "Bad song choice for Abi." Another fan added, "I always loved Abi from the time she tried out but lately I think she is screaming a lot🤔."

One critic noted, "🤦🏻‍♀️ Who told Abi to walk through the crowd and stage like that. Clocks is meant to be played on the piano and piano only." Another added, "Another week where Abi changes the melody. RIP Coldplay." One viewer wrote, "...maybe that wasn't actually the best song choice for abi." "Abi sounded bad,": noted another fan.

Luke Bryan suggest Abi Carter to ditch piano

'American Idol' Season 22 judge Luke Bryan suggested Abi Carter not get overly comfortable behind the piano. Abi heeded his advice and ditched the piano. The ABC show judge complimented the aspiring singer's ability to push herself to command the stage instead of hiding behind the piano. Luke said, “Good job.” Meanwhile, Katy Perry felt she was still authentic without the piano.

Abi Carter delivers an emotional performance

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Abi Carter's emotional performance on Elton John's song, 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Roadm' moved viewers to tears. The aspiring singer also received a standing ovation from all three judges, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie for her stellar performance.

Before the performance, she received guidance from the Guest mentor Gene Simmons. During rehearsals, Abi revealed her nerves about meeting Gene, explaining that she grew up in a religious household where rock music was forbidden as it was considered 'the devil’s music.' Gene asked her if she knew what the song meant, and she responded that she thinks it means "to not let people put you in a place you don’t belong in."

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