American Idol alum Carly Smithson demands controversial former judge return to replace Katy Perry and current panel
AMERICAN Idol alum Carly Smithson has some ideas about who could be brought on to replace Katy Perry and the current panel.
Fans have long been calling for the pop singer and other judges to be replaced, criticizing their judging style.
Carly, 39, participated in a Reddit Q&A with American Idol fans, fielding questions about her time on the show and more.
At one point, she was asked: "Do you think any of the current judges should be replaced with some new fresh faces? If so, who would you like to see as a judge next season?"
The musician held nothing back, responding: "I think that the current culture of our world prevents the judges from being hard on the contestants. They’re also musicians themselves so they risk alienating their own fans. Simon [Cowell] had nothing to lose because he wasn’t selling anything."
She added: "I miss Simon to be honest. He was a d**k but it was great television. Our world is too sensitive nowadays.
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"My biggest complaint of the show is how easy the contestants have it. If you're s**t - you're s**t ! Let’s see all the auditions and have real judging."
She concluded: "I was told terrible things by Simon but it prepared me for the industry ahead. It’s not a place for a snowflake."
Carly competed on season seven of American Idol.
At the time, Simon was a judge alongside Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul.
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Since her time competing on American Idol, she has been brought back on as a mentor, segment host, guest performer, and a judge.
She is slated to appear at the finale to meet the contestants.
FRESH START
American Idol's current judges are Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy.
American Idol supporters have been calling for a major upgrade on the show since early this season.
Fans of the competition series have been adamant about the showrunners improving the reality singing competition and took to social media to provide their critiques.
The official Idol Instagram account shared a message that promoted the show's return for a 22nd season on the platform recently.
"American Idol is coming back for another season," the image text read.
The post's caption encouraged fans to sing along with the contestants for another season.
Several followers flocked to the comment section to demand ABC executives make changes to the show for the upcoming season.
Single-night eliminations were the main thing fans repeatedly suggested.
One person raged: "Cool. Go back to single elimination nights, and allow both coasts to watch and vote before elimination the following night.
"You’ve taken on the worst aspects of The Voice (multiple eliminations and host skits), despite having incredible talent.
"You had at least 10 stars this season, but they were rushed off the stage. Give them all more time to show us who they are."
Another added in a reply: " ... All of this, plus allow the singers who are eliminated to have their one last 'swan song.'
"The show used to do this, rather than have them rushed off the stage unless they’re chosen to sing for a judges save."
A slew of other fans insisted that the show bring in new judges to replace the current ones.
"New judges please," one fan demanded.
Seconding the commenter, one person added: "Of course, I just thought it was so refreshing to have Alanis [Morissette] and Ed [Sheeran] on last week.
"I just feel like the 3 we have now have said all they are going to say... gets repetitive."
Another advocated: "Make Alanis a permanent judge. She radiates joy and gives honest sensible feedback."
"They never say anything critical like Simon. Always so positive it’s not its not realistic," another said.
ENOUGH ALREADY
Idol fans have slammed the show's latest season, claiming it feels rushed.
Viewers claimed that it ruins the show when a number of contestants leave at the end of each live episode.
Other fans have complained that the audition process felt dragged out and slammed producers for sending home 14 contestants in one week.
One critic wrote on Reddit: "Anyone else feel like this season has felt so rushed?
"I loved this season initially but since we hit the top 20 I feel like they’ve just been getting rid of talent in droves and it hasn’t been as enjoyable for me."
Another added: "I miss Idol from back in the day. When they had the top 12, and only one contestant went home each week. Those were the days!"
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A third suggested: "Could easily cut a week of Hollywood and a week of auditions then add in two weeks or two nights of live shows."
Yet another user commented: "The cuts were brutal this year. 26 to 20 to 12 in one week is just too much," which another fan called "upsetting."
