Top reality TV moments of the week: From 'The Voice's first LGBTQ+ winner to embarassing 'The Masked Singer' elimination
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Reality TV has given us some of the tastiest, messiest, and craziest on-screen events ever, from 'The Real World' to 'The Real Housewives'. Despite the genre's unpredictability, it consistently produces jaw-dropping drama that inspires memes, GIFs, and gags across pop culture.
There's so much to love in the reality TV canon, from face-smacking and table-flipping to death-defying feats and island hunger. For your careful consideration, we've compiled a list of our own of the craziest, funniest, and most unexpected events from reality TV throughout the last week.
Abi Carter was crowned the 'American Idol' Season 22 winner
Fans favorite 'American Idol' Season 22 contestant Abi Carter won the ABC show and a whopping $250,000 cash prize and a recording contract. Abi, along with the two finalists, Will Moseley and Jack Blocker, bagged an exciting Disney trip with the ABC show judges and some surprise guests.
Abi performed Jon Bon Jovi's song 'Bed of Roses' and instantly impressed the viewers and the judges. She also performed 'Somewhere' from West Side Story as a tribute to her hometown, Indio.
Abi notably received a shocking shout-out from Grammy winner Billie Eilish moments before the winner announcement.
Scott Porter aka Gumball Mask calls himself ‘winner’ despite losing in ‘The Masked Singer’ finale
In the thrilling finale of 'The Masked Singer' Season 11, actor Scott Porter, unveiled as the Gumball mask, didn't take home the trophy. However, he didn't view it as a loss.
Instead, he embraced the experience as a personal triumph. Scott expressed, "I think it’s a badge of honor if they can’t figure you out." Despite not being correctly identified by the judges, he saw it as a validation of his performance skills and ability to keep his identity secret throughout the season.
Reflecting on his journey, Scott shared, "I didn't know I could do this until tonight, but I'm glad I did." Throughout the season, his performances received praise and admiration, with his final rendition of 'Renegade' by Styx leaving a lasting impression on both the judges and fans.
One of the most emotional moments came when Scott dedicated his last performance to his parents, who had pursued their passion for music despite facing financial challenges. He shared, "Tonight, that performance was really about my folks."
Justin Johnson and Teck Holmes become the latest victims of elimination ploy in 'The Goat'
Teck Holmes and Wendell Holland determined they needed to come together in order to earn the votes - Teck needed to be safe prior to this week's elimination ceremony in 'The GOAT'. Speaking with individuals, Joe Amabile also had a sneaking suspicion that he might receive a few votes.
In a conversation with CJ Franco, Justin Johnson expressed his desire to fight one more day in the GOAT Manor. Reza Farahan resisted Paola Mayfield's attempts to convince him to declare his preference for the candidate.
So, teary-eyed, she stormed into the producers' confessional interview with Jason Smith and begged him not to vote for her.
She said, "I really hope you don't vote for me." "Because that would be a sh*tty way to get out of this house."
"What can I say?" he asked. "I attract the crazies."
At last, the time had come for host Daniel Tosh to disclose the results. The votes were distributed among the cast members as they had been for weeks: one went to Paola, two to Joe, three to Justin, and four to Teck.
Teck and Justin had to go, but they did so with a smile on their faces. Teck also appeared to realize that his poor performance cost him $200K, and as he was leaving, Justin hugged everyone, including Da'Vonne Rogers.
Louie Ruelas calls 'RHONJ' co-star John Fuda a 'loser'
The camera pans back inland, revealing the Giudice mansion, which is filled with emotion. As 'The Real Housewives of New Jersey' star Gabriella Giudice gets ready to head off to college, she receives a FaceTime chat from her father that causes her to cry a lot.
Joe Giudice and Luis 'Louie' Ruelas engage in a cordial conversation. Then it becomes clear that Louie is contributing to Gabriella's education costs.
Teresa Giudice and Louie sit down outside to hastily repeat Tre's remarks against John Fuda after her girls leave the area. Louie calls John an "ugly mother f****r" and says he has no tolerance for a "loser" like him.
Teresa makes it clear that she doesn't think John is currently dealing with any drug problems. Even if she feels like he's acting a little like "the Godfather," she doesn't care since her bubble of love is still intact, and that's all that matters.
Asher HaVon becomes the first LGBTQ+ member to win 'The Voice'
Asher HaVon emerged victorious for Team Reba in her second season on 'The Voice' as he was crowned the champion on May 21. During the grand finale of the NBC singing show, host Carson Daly shared that Asher had taken a two-year break from singing before wowing the judges during the blind auditions and ultimately taking home the top prize.
The talented singer-songwriter surpassed competitors Josh Sanders from Team Reba, Karen Waldrup from Team Dan + Shay, and Nathan Chester and Bryan Olesen from Team Legend to secure the coveted winner's title and a substantial cash prize of $100,000. Josh finished in second place, followed by Bryan in third, Nathan in fourth, and Karen in fifth place.
