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'Damn you Katy Perry': Fans slammed 'American Idol' Season 22 judge for making Odell Bunton Jr cry

'American Idol' Season 22 viewers slam Katy Perry for making Odell Bunton Jr weep with a 'cruel' fake out

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: Fans of 'American Idol' Season 22 have had enough of Katy Perry's supposedly abrasive conduct on the show. Fans were horrified by how Idol judge Katy treated popular candidate Odell Bunton Jr during the show's Final Judgement on April 1 episode.

The Monday episode crushed many Idol viewers' hearts since several cuts were made as the season finale approached. Odell was one of the participants who appeared to have been eliminated.

Before the 'Hot N' Cold' singer told him the "bad news," she inquired about his personal life. "Man, it's tough," Odell said honestly.

"We got a total of 12 people living in a hotel room. Just two beds and a little kitchen area."

Odell began to cry as he told his story, but immediately recovered and wiped his tears, saying that this was an "emotional day for him." Within seconds after Odell expressed his emotions, Katy intimated that his time on Idol had ended, which was far from the truth.

"You know, Odell, it's a lot of pressure, having a platinum ticket." Katy informed him, "I don't even know what the pressure is having 12 people under one roof."

"[But] we have to make decisions that are hard. Even when life is hard. Unfortunately, this as far we can take you."

Odell just answered, "Yes, ma'am," staring at the judges with disappointment and anguish. After convincing him that he was done with Idol for about a minute, the award-winning singer informed him that he was indeed safe this week.

"It's gonna be up to America from here on out because you're in our Top 24," she said. "Oh God," Odell replied before bursting into tears.

Katy, fellow Idol judges Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie gathered around a sobbing Odell to console him when she revealed the truth. On X, Idol viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with Odell's debut performance.

One user tweeted, "OMG!! My heart dropped for a second when Katy did that!!! Damn you Katy Perry!!" Another user chimed in, "I was about to throw something at my tv when @katyperry told Odell “ this as far as we can take you” 

One user further commented, "Clowning Odell? Are ya serious? Whew the bad karma…" A fourth user noted, "Katy had that man thinking he about to go back to that hotel tonight with 12 folks." 

One viewer pleaded, "Katy and fellow judges, pls no more fake outs. Thank u." Another added, "Nah Katy is wrong for that…."

Who is Odell Bunton Jr on  'American Idol' Season 22?

Odell was born on October 3, 1994, to Odell Bunton Sr and Donna L Bunton. He grew up with a passion for music and began singing with his mother when he was 7 years old.

His mother helped develop his vocal cords and taught him to sing. As he matured and grew, his parents realized he had a rare talent from God: singing.

As his family began to travel in ministry, Odell began to lead and minister via music.

Who made it into the Top 24 of 'American Idol' Season 22?

Here's who advanced to the next round at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu, Hawaii:

Abi Carter

Triston Harper

Odell Bunton Jr

Hailey Mia

Jennifer Jeffries

Jordan Anthony

Nya

Blake Proehl

KB

Jack Blocker

Roman Collins

Mia Matthews

McKenna Breinholt

Emmy Russell

Will Moseley

Ajii Hafeez

Sam "Kayko" Kelly-Cohen

Kennedy Reid

Elleigh Marie Francom

KBlocks

Jayna Elise

Julia Gagnon

Mackenzie Sol

Quintavious Johnson

Who was eliminated during 'American Idol' Season 22 'Showstoppers Week'?

Only a few of the ousted finalists received a spotlight in Episode 7. Here's who we say farewell to.

Micaela McCall

Scarlett Lee

Michael Rice

Anna Grace Hunt

Ziggy

Dawson Slade

Sophia Ava Marie

Justice Murphy

Nick Connors

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays at 8 PM ET on ABC