Viewers Criticize 'American Idol' Judges Carrie Underwood & Luke Bryan for Eliminating an 'Authentic' Singer

An unexpected cut on "American Idol" has sparked backlash, with fans rallying behind a young country singer they believe was sent home too soon.

A wave of disappointment swept across social media after "American Idol" judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan eliminated teen contestant Crews Wright during the duet round, which aired on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Wright had made it into the top 48 and was one performance away from reaching the live rounds. He and fellow contestant Kam'Ron Smith performed the gospel classic "How Great Thou Art!" during the head-to-head duet challenge.

After the performance, Wright reflected on the moment, "Just the way it goes, we gave it the best we had, let me take that back, I don't think we gave it the best we had, but I think we did pretty good."

Although Wright had impressed throughout the competition — especially Bryan — both he and his duet partner were not selected to advance.

Bryan addressed the pair, stating, "We don't feel like you guys are ready for the top 24, but you have a heck of a foundation to build on. Just think about how much you've grown since being here and how much you can grow."

Wright's musical roots run deep. He grew up singing in church and was influenced by Southern gospel and traditional country music.

Before joining "American Idol," he had already made a name for himself, winning the North American Country Music Association International's Male Vocalist of the Year award four times in a row.

He also signed a record deal with Paradigm Music Group after winning the "Southern Lights: The Search For a Star" talent contest in Bonifay, Florida.

During his run on the show, Wright expressed a desire to "put the small town of Samson on the map" and prove that traditional country music still has a place in today's industry.

Following his exit, social media erupted with strong reactions from fans, many of whom criticized Underwood and Bryan's decision.

One person wrote, "No longer interest in Idol after watching from the first season till now. The judges let the best singer this season go which was CREWS WRIGHT! If he isn't brought back then many of us are done with Idol [sic]."

Another added, "Luke and Carrie, I know in you're [sic] hearts Crews Wright should not have been cut. I'm sure you did what the producers told you to do."

"Bring back Crews or I am not watching this show anymore!!! Carrie must have been afraid he would show her up and same with Luke," one comment read.

Another viewer declared, "I will not vote and never watch American Idol again. They sent the best home, CREWS WRIGHT [sic]!"

A reply to that comment echoed the sentiment, "100% agree, have no idea why they would have sent him home. He was top 10 for sure! Shame on Luke and Carrie for not putting thru authentic country [sic]!"

YouTube viewers expressed similar frustration. One wrote, "That's what's wrong with today's music, country music. No more legend story tellers and Crews would have brought it back. I'm so disappointed in Luke & Carrie [sic]."

Another person commented, "Luke, you are totally wrong! Crews should of made it through to the top 24... they didn't even sing the whole song... bring Crews Wright back [sic]!"

A third viewer said, "Crews Wright, go on, THE VOICE! Think Jelly Roll was surprised as well as the rest of us Crews Wright not making the top 24.... something wrong here they need to bring him back! Incredible voice love Crews [sic]."

Before his elimination, Wright had already left a strong impression on both viewers and the judges during his initial appearances on "American Idol."

In the season premiere, which aired Sunday, March 9, 2025, the 17-year-old high school student from Samson, Alabama, stepped into the spotlight with confidence, sharing that he had been singing "since I was knee-high to a grasshopper."

Although Wright admitted he was nervous to perform in front of the judges — Carrie Underwood, Bryan, and Lionel Richie — he quickly charmed the panel with his personality and humor.

When asked about life back in his hometown, Wright responded with playful puns referencing each judge's songs, "Well… Sometimes I'm Huntin,' Fishin' Lovin' Everyday, other times, I'm letting Jesus, Take The Wheel, and other times I'm Takin' It Easy on Sunday Mornin.'"

His banter even drew a flattered reaction from Underwood, who replied, "I love you," after he jokingly flirted with her by saying, "I can be single."

She responded light-heartedly, "Well, I cannot, I am old enough to be your mama," showing off her wedding rings with a smile. Wright laughed, adding, "I guess I just blowed [sic] that one didn't I?"

Wright then performed George Strait's "The Fireman," allowing his Southern gospel and traditional country roots to shine. Accompanied by an acoustic guitarist, his vocals impressed all three judges.

Underwood and Bryan mouthed the lyrics while Richie mimicked playing guitar, showing their enthusiasm for the performance. Richie told him, "There you go Alabama. I knew you were headed somewhere, I just didn't know exactly where."

At Wright's invitation, Bryan joined him at the piano for a spontaneous duet of the same Strait hit, calling out, "I'm going to turn this into a damn honky tonk." After their performance, the pair hugged, and Richie declared, "Boy that was amazing! You going to go places son."

The judges did not hesitate to move him forward. "Alright, you've ever been to Hollywood?" Bryan asked, prompting Wright to reply, "Well, it's been on the bucket list."

All three judges voted 'yes,' handing Wright a golden ticket to Hollywood. "He got a good voice," Bryan said afterward, with Underwood adding, "and a good performer."

Following his elimination weeks later, Wright took to Instagram to thank his supporters. "I am sad to see this journey end, but I am excited to see where I am going! I'm so grateful for this experience and to all of you for the support. Follow me on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to join the ride."

As the season continues, fans remain vocal in their support for Wright, whom many view as a promising talent with strong ties to traditional country music. While his journey on "American Idol" may have ended, the reaction to his exit suggests his story is far from over.