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'This isn't a sympathy contest': 'American Idol' 2023 judges slammed over 'controversial' Top 12 pick

Among the 20 hopefuls, 10 aspiring singers with more votes directly made it to the Top 12 and the remaining two contestants were chosen by the judges

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 21 judges recently revealed the Top 12 hopefuls during the latest episode of the singing competition. The latest episode of the ABC network show kicked off with an in memoriam card for former 'Dancing with the Stars' judge Len Goodman, who died over the weekend from bone cancer. However, eight contestants' dreams to become singing sensations were shattered as they were eliminated and headed back to their homes.

Among the 20 hopefuls, 10 aspiring singers with more votes directly made it to the Top 12 and the remaining two contestants were chosen by the judges. Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Riche gave the two wildcard spots to Nusta Buzaladze and Lucy Love. However, the viewers disagree with the judges' decision and slammed them for their choice.

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The ten contestants, who ended up in the 'danger zone' after they got fewer votes from the viewers, delivered stirring performances. They performed to wow the judges to grab the wildcard spots. However, there were only two spots and the judges had to make the tough decision of eliminating eight contestants. Katy, Luke, and Lionel chose to advance Nutsa and Lucy to the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night'.

Lionel spoke on behalf of the judges and revealed that the judges were first saving Lucy Love. Later, Katy and Luke revealed who the judges sent to the next round. They screamed together, "We're nuts for Nutsa!!!"

'The worst 2 the judges put through'

The 'American Idol' judges were faced with a tough decision on Monday night's episode as they had to choose two contestants from 10 to send to the Top 12. However, fans claimed that it was the "most controversial" decision ever. The viewers took to social media and slammed judges for advancing Nutsa and Lucy. A Twitter user wrote, "This is the most controversial #AmericanIdol wildcard saves ever. LOL."

Another person suggested, "And then the judges pick the people with better backstories than singing voices." Another viewer noted, "#AmericanIdol lord why maybe they should be picking new judges! Hope Katy will be gone next season then maybe Lionel and Luke will have a voice and not get pushed into picking the wrong ones!!! way better singers then the 2 they pick!"

"Judges done 8 dirty. No way Nutsa and angry Lucy deserved top 12," added another user. Another viewer tweeted, "The worst 2 the judges put through. Sorry judges but you got it wrong. This isn't a sympathy contest."

Another social media user wrote, "Judges you just made the wrong decisions!!! Top 12 should have ALL been chosen by America!! It’s rigged and political!!"

'American Idol' Season 21 airs every Sunday and Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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