HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

'She was awful': 'American Idol' 2024 judges slammed for advancing Lillian Hackett to Hollywood Week

'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Lillian Hackett is just 17 and started playing guitar when she was 10

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Unlike other contestants' performances, Lillian Hackett's clip was short. Many 'American Idol' Season 22 fans believe that her singing was not worth moving to Hollywood Week. Seeing the judges give her a golden ticket made the viewers question their taste.

The judges didn't seem to be paying attention to Lillian's performance. Towards the end, they clapped for the singer and said yes to her without commenting on her performance. 

A fan called out the judges, "Wow.. sorry but are the judges going a bit tone deaf on AmericanIdol ? OMG a nice girl but I'm sorry Lillian can't even hit a note properly!! Sad but true and just horrible." Another questioned, "Why did they let Lillian through??? she was honestly awful. they let WAY better people go home americanidol." 

An Instagram user asked the judges, "No way, did they hear something different than we heard at home!?" Another mocked, "The look on Katy Perry's face. She looked blown away." A fan said, "Umm no" after her performance. Another claimed, "No for me."

A disappointed fan commented, "She's got the kind of voice that I expected a slight yodel during that song...and was disappointed not to get one."

'American Idol' Season 22: Who is Lillian Hackett?

Lillian is just a 17-year-old singer. The Northern Virginia native says in her social media bio, "Probably writing a song about you."

Lillian is a junior at Woodgrove High School. She started playing guitar at the age of 10 as her father was a musician. She comes from a family with musical preferences, therefore, Lillian started singing and writing songs at a very young age.

She has been a big fan of the singing show 'American Idol.' And moving ahead to Hollywood Week brought a big smile on her face. She uploaded a photo of her getting the golden ticket, saying, "This gal’s going to Hollywood! Thanks Katy, Luke and Lionel."

'American Idol' Season 22: Lillian Hackett was supported by her brother in the audition round

Lillian uploaded a video where her little brother was seen supporting her by saying, "This is where singers become superstars. This is 'American Idol.'"

Lillian acknowledges her brother's support in her post, "I’m so glad I had my brother with me for my audition. He kept things light and fun."

She explained that auditioning for 'American Idol' Season 22 was a nerve-racking experience for her.

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