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Did Mia and Jacy win Golden Ticket? 'American Idol' fans slam Luke Bryan for criticizing The Matthews Sisters

'American Idol' Season 22 judge Luke Bryan thinks Mia and Jacy Matthews to be 'quiet and timid' and wishes they had more presence

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Mia Matthews and Jacy Matthews auditioned for 'American Idol' Season 22, and they began their audition with their mother. Even though the sisters were able to walk away with their own Golden Tickets, viewers are outraged that Luke Bryan turned down both sisters while advancing teen performers to Hollywood Week.

Jacy, 17, was the first to perform, singing Kris Kristofferson's 'Help Me Make It Through the Night'. Then it was 18-year-old Mia who sang Sara Evans' "No Place That Far".

Luke assumed they treated music similarly. They appeared shy and hesitant, looking for a greater presence.

The country superstar isn't sure if they are prepared. Luke said no to Jacy, but Lionel Richie and Katy Perry both said yes.

Luke believed Mia was the stronger vocalist and said yes. Lionel did not.

Katy politely disagreed with Lionel and grew more connected to Mia. For the time being, the Matthews sisters embark on their Hollywood journey together.

On X, fans slammed Luke for his criticism writing, "LUKE.. you make no sense at all this season. Clean out your ears." Another user questioned, "Uhhh Luke are your ears okay? These sisters have gorgeous voices. The other 4 teenagers you sent through in this ep were average in comparison!" 

Others slammed the ABC judge writing, "Luke making such a WEIRD argument when they just spent the past 30 minutes putting through 14-, 15-, and 16-year-olds." A fourth person fumed, "Considering the other put through tonight y’all debated the sisters wat too much."

Throwing a dig at Luke for letting much younger artists through, one wrote, "Juan Pablo’s daughter went through, y’all better send these sisters to Hollywood or I’m screaming RIGGED." Another person asked, "They put that 14 yr old through and are second guessing these 2 sisters who are both better?"

Who is Mia Matthews on 'American Idol' Season 22?

Mia Makana Matthews, a teenage singer-songwriter from Centre, Alabama, went solo on Idol after spending most of her childhood playing as part of a family ensemble in some capacity. Mia, for example, was 15 years old when she auditioned for Season 19 of 'The Voice' as part of the country-pop group Worth the Wait, alongside mother Tara and younger sister Jacy.

Mia recently launched her debut single, an outstanding tune called 'Parking Lot,' which came out last summer. Mia previously collaborated with sisters Jacy and Said as The Matthews Sisters, earning 45 million views on YouTube.

Who is Jacy Matthews on 'American Idol' Season 22?

17-year-old Jacy, an Alabama singer-songwriter, may be recognizable to you. She appeared on 'The Voice' Season 19 as part of the duo Worth The Wait, alongside her sister Mia and mother Tara.

The group was ousted during the Playoffs, but they went on to play at venues such as the Grand Ole Opry.

Who is Worth the Wait on 'The Voice'?

The Matthews Sisters, an Alabama mother-daughter combo, were originally three sisters. The sisters began an impromptu rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in line at a supermarket one day, and an eyewitness captured the moment on camera, which went viral.

The video propelled them to fame and helped them begin scheduling local concerts. When the oldest sister, Sadie, quit the group to care for her newborn boy, their mother stepped in, and the three became Worth the Wait.

The girls came to 'The Voice' to have fun, but they also intended to prove they were a triple threat.

Catch new episodes of 'American Idol' Season 22 every Sunday at 8 pm ET on ABC. The latest episodes are available to stream next day on Hulu.