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'American Song Contest' fans wonder why Allen Stone's performance was pre-recorded

Allen Stone, an 'American Song Contest' finalist, did not perform live on the show's season finale due to personal issues. Fans are wondering if it had any impact

Allen Stone, one of the few 'American Song Contest' participants who is already a well-known musician, did not perform live on the show's finals. The 35-year-old soul and R&B artist, well known for his songs "Brown Eyed Lover" and "Unaware," had his rehearsal performance aired on the finale since he was unable to attend the live taping.

Allen's absence from the grand final was disclosed at the start of the show owing to personal reasons. Allen spoke about his mother's cancer battle before his performance. His mother has been battling cancer for the past two years, he reveals. When he accepted the show, he told his mother that he would have to go, but that he didn't need to be on the show if she needed him around. His mother advised him not to even consider it and said "go share your music.”

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At this time, no information about his emergency is available. During the finale, Allen, who was representing the state of Washington in the contest, performed his original song "A Bit of Both." After the performance, co-host Kelly Clarkson announced that Allen would be joining the show virtually tonight. The folksy Washington vocalist, whose style and lyrics are both transporting and immensely pertinent, was the only one remaining from week four, as well as one of only two finalists with a flawless jury record.

Allen's performance is a taped rehearsal, but that doesn't take away from the song's lively sound and thought-provoking lyrics. His blinking neon moniker was also a fantastic finishing touch for his final performance. However, this was concerning for a few of his ardent fans, as they thought this might affect his scoring. One of them took it to Twitter and wrote: "So, no live Allen Stone tonight. But we do have a live-on-tape. I do wonder if this will impact anything tonight (it won’t). #AmericanSongContest"

Many assumed his absence was due to his mother's illness, and they were concerned that this would have an impact on his standing (which eventually did - he was ranked 5th). A participant who does not perform live on a reality show has a big impact, especially on the day of the finale. Though there is no way to prove this, Twitteratis have their thoughts ready: "Well now we're all assuming that Allen Stone's "personal reasons" for being gone are related to his mom's cancer. I wonder if that will influence voting? (Though we'll never know for sure how much it influences it) #AmericanSongContest"

Some viewers were amazed by his pre-recorded setting as well as his performance. One of them tweeted: "Allen Stone really washed up the competition from his couch. #AmericanSongContest"

A sweet fan also took it to Twitter to wish his mum a quick recovery. The tweet read: "#AmericanSongContest hoping Allen Stone's family is doing their best, that was such a bittersweet introduction especially in his physical absence"

When it came down to the public vote, Allen only received 254 points, putting him in fifth place.