American Idol fan favorite contestants axed as viewers fume over ‘rigged system’ and claim it’s now ‘Country Idol’

Plus, what’s expected to happen in the grand finale next week

AMERICAN Idol fans have fumed over the recent contestants that have been booted out just days before the final.

Several beloved contestants from this talent-filled season have been axed this week as viewers fume over the “rigged system” – with viewers also airing another complaint.

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They recently whittled the Top 7 down to the Top 5Credit: instagram/@americanidol

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Thunderstorm Artis was in the Top 5 and performed on Monday nightCredit: ABC

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But he sadly did not make it into the Top 3Credit: ABC

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The Top 3 will battle it out in the grand finale on May 18Credit: instagram/@americanidol
Some fans have shared how they think the show is moving away from showcasing all genres of music while focusing more on country.

Disney Night continued for a second night on American Idol on Monday, after Sunday saw two acts axed.

A further two singers were then booted off the show and out of the Top 5, with the final three revealed.

Breanna Nix, Gabby Samone, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, Mattie Pruit, Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis all performed for the judges on Sunday.

Mattie and Gabby sadly lost their spots on the show.

Then, on Monday night, further heartbreak was felt among viewers when Thunderstorm and Slater lost out on making it into the Top 3.

Fans were particularly gutted over Thunderstorm’s exit, with some even quick to slam the show as being “rigged”.

‘RIGGED SYSTEM’

One person on X said: “Idol blew it again with the rigged voting system and booted him off the show. He was the only actual real musician / artist remaining on the show so look whats left…..”

Another said it was “rigged” because “Thunderstorm didn’t even make it into the top 3”.

While a third penned: “Thunderstorm really should’ve been in the finale.”

And a fourth wrote: “I can’t believe you all chose John Foster over Gabby and Thunderstorm. I am so irritated with Americans right now.”

Gabby, who went home on Monday, was another fan favorite performer viewers were gutted to see go home.

One person on X said: “Nothing against the others but Gabby going home wasn’t only shocking, but was an injustice.

“The past 3 yrs it’s turned into Country Idol, not #AmericanIdol, which shouldn’t be.

“Maybe Country Idol should have their own show.”

A second viewer agreed, writing: The best female vocalist on Idol in years has been voted out. Gabby, your career will be limitless. I’ll be back to vote for vocalist’s once again. It’s now Jamal to win & Jamal only.”

JUST DAYS UNTIL THE GRAND FINALE

John, Jamal and Breanna will now battle it out to become the winner of American Idol 2025.

The show will crown its winner during the season finale on May 18.

Although many fan favorite performers have been sent home in recent weeks, the Top 14 will be coming back for one last performance in the finale.

Not only will the Top 14 reunite, but there will be several performances from some incredible singers and bands.

The Goo Goo Dolls, Good Charlotte, Jessica Simpson, Jelly Roll, Patti LaBelle, Salt-N-Pepa, Jennifer Holliday, Josh Groban, Brandon Lake, Myles Smith and Kirk Franklin will all perform at the grand finale

And of course, judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie will also croon during the show, too.

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Judges Carrie, Lionel and Luke are set to perform at the grand finale on May 18Credit: instagram/@americanidol