'American Idol' 2023: Top 5 Contestants Revealed, Three Eliminated on May 7 Episode

competition was rigged.“I would say that it isn’t just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason,” the 21-year-old said in her first public comments about the controversy. “Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it.”The former waitress gushed about winner Iam Tongi, who took the No.

Iam Tongi is addressing all the controversy over his American Idol win.

Whoopi Goldberg might be getting in trouble with 's network — ABC. The 67-year-old co-host of spoke out against another ABC show during a panel discussion this week.While discussing the recent Anna Nicole Smith documentary,, Goldberg talked about society's obsession with judging others.«I think, you know, that we as a society love to watch stuff, to judge folks,» Goldberg said. «I've always thought that the beginning of the downfall of society was with… what's the name of that show?»«That's ABC's » a producer replied, smiling.«It was not always on ABC.

first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol,” isn’t fazed by the rigging accusations that accompanied Sunday’s triumph — in fact, he said he “loves it.”“A lot of people are like, ‘Colin Stough was robbed,’ or whatever. And I just love it,” Tongi, 18, told the Daily Mail.Tongi, of Samoan and Tongan heritage, reigned victorious in the 21st season finale, beating out Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 20, but his win baffled fans who claimed the singing competition was “rigged.”Instead of letting haters get to him, he throws a “like” to critics’ social media posts, explaining he just has to “let those things happen.”“I am guilty for liking it,” he admitted.

It’s a no from her. Whoopi Goldberg thinks American Idol is to blame for some of society’s problems —seemingly forgetting that the competition show airs on the same network as The View.

“American Idol” was the “beginning of the downfall of society.”The 67-year-old made the bold claim on the ABC talk show Wednesday morning.Goldberg’s theory was brought up as the women of the show discussed why Netflix recently “dwelled” on the final days and legacy of Anna Nicole Smith in a new documentary. The actress claimed that viewers flock to these kinds of shows because “people like to be judgy.”“You have ‘Basketball Wives,’ you have the ‘Housewives’ of whatever, all the Bravo shows, giving you the impression that you’re doing something wrong because you’re living your life,” Goldberg said.

Katy Perry is sharing her thought on the future of American Idol.

dawg.“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg, 67, boldly stated Wednesday on the ABC talk show that “American Idol” was the “beginning of the downfall of society.”While the women of the show discussed why Netflix recently “dwelled” on the late Anna Nicole Smith’s last days in a new documentary, Goldberg claimed that viewers will watch this kind of programming because “people like to be judgy.”“You have ‘Basketball Wives,’ you have the ‘Housewives’ of whatever, all the Bravo shows, giving you the impression that you’re doing something wrong because you’re living your life.”“People watch these shows because they make them feel better,” Goldberg continued. “I think that we, as a society, love to watch stuff to judge folks.”“The Color Purple” star then offered up a specific example of when she believes the public became too power-hungry on passing judgment.

Unconditionally.”A source allegedly close to Katy Perry claimed Tuesday that the controversial singer has expressed a desire to quit “Idol” after judging the show for six years. Perry, 38, has been the subject of several online rants by die-hard “Idol” fans complaining about the “California Gurls” singer’s provocative — and sometimes “rude” — coaching methods. Perry also reportedly claimed the producers of “Idol” intentionally edited footage to make her look like the “nasty” judge.“Katy feels like [the producers] threw her under the bus,” a supposed insider told the Daily Mail.

told TV Insider. “I was so happy everyone voted.

tweeted one angry viewer. “Big Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win.

slammed the always controversial Perry’s revealing outfit on social media, saying that it was more of a swimsuit than dress. The bright orange garment featured several cutouts down the front of the 38-year-singer accentuating her breast as well as her midriff. The look culminated in a sheer floor-length fabric that veiled the singer’s legs with rhinestones.Perry accesorized the outfit with a pair of high-heeled sandals.Perry’s dress is the latest of several instances where the “Teenage Dream” singer has come under fire from “Idol” fans.

Luke Bryan wasn't expecting to turn on the water works during Sunday's big season 21 finale! While fellow judge Katy Perry found herself getting expectedly emotional during the star-studded finale — as she's a judge who is known to wear her heart on her sleeve — Bryan surprised some fans when he shed a few tears as well during the showdown between the season's Top 3 -- Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough.Speaking with ET's Denny Directo after the show, Bryan joked, «I never anticipated crying on national TV that much.»«But I think we're just mimicking what people are feeling at home,» he added.Ultimately, 18-year-old Tongi was crowned the champion, and Bryan shared some words of wisdom for the up-and-coming performer.«I think the main thing is, you have to make sure it's all on your terms, and when somebody is trying to push you down a creative path you may be unsure of, just trust your gut on stuff,» Bryan shared. «Also, understand that you're gonna make some mistakes.

Luke Bryan wasn't expecting to turn on the water works during Sunday's big season 21 finale! However, sometimes you just can't hold back your heart.While fellow judge Katy Perry found herself getting expectedly emotional during the star-studded finale — as she's a judge who is known to wear her heart on her sleeve — Bryan surprised some fans when he shed a few tears as well during the showdown between the season's Top 3 -- Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough.Speaking with ET's Denny Directo after the show, Bryan joked, «I never anticipated crying on national TV that much.»«But I think we're just mimicking what people are feeling at home,» he said, explaining that some of the contestants' backstories and inspiring bouts of courage and perseverance are deeply inspiring and moving for everyone.Ultimately, 18-year-old Tongi was crowned the champion, and Bryan shared some words of wisdom for the up-and-coming performer.«I think the main thing is, you have to make sure it's all on your terms, and when somebody is trying to push you down a creative path you may be unsure of, just trust your gut on stuff,» Bryan shared. «Also, understand that you're gonna make some mistakes.

Ryan Seacrest never gets tired of announcing the next American Idol. ET's Denny Directo spoke with 's host of more than two decades on Sunday, and Seacrest admitted that the novelty of announcing the winner each year has «never» worn off.«We're looking down to that card and saying, 'The next American Idol is,'» Seacrest said of the upcoming season finale. «I mean, that's the best part for me... I get excited.»That excitement comes from a season of seeing the contestants «grow» and develop, Seacrest said.«We see them with their normal jobs and they just come in for this audition,» he said.

Lionel Richie has high hopes for the talented singers who went the distance this season on .On Sunday's Disney Night episode of the Top 5 contestants battled it out for the three spots in next week's three-hour grand finale. Colin Stough, Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, Wé Ani, and Zachariah Smith sang their hearts out to make an impression.Speaking with ET's Denny Directo after the show, Richie revealed that he told the contestants before the show, and what he strongly believes about all the people who showed the world what they could do this season.«The Top 5, they have careers. I mean, you could just see it.

Keith Urban is set to make a much-anticipated return to American Idol, albeit for one night only.  The official announcement came from the show's Instagram account and was also shared by Keith on his Instagram Stories.  The 55-year-old will grace the grand finale on May 21st as a guest mentor and will also perform on the show.

“the one that got away” — if “American Idol” fans have their way.Viewers are campaigning on social media to permanently remove Katy Perry as a judge after she was temporarily replaced this week by the Canadian songstress to mentor the show’s Top 8. Morissette, 48, filled in for Perry, 38, while she and co-judge Lionel Richie, 73 — who was replaced by Ed Sheeran — performed at the coronation concert held in honor of King Charles III.Perry’s hiatus from the show came as several fans slammed the “TGIF” singer for her rude on-stage behavior.Several viewers of “Idol” seemed to breathe a sigh of relief during the “Dark Horse” singer’s two-episode absence.

American Idol welcomed royalty onto the show on Sunday evening, with King Charles and Queen Camilla making a surprise appearance alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Judges Katy, 38, and Lionel, 73, appeared via video link on American Idol as they missed this week's show due to performing at the Coronation Concert in the UK, and chatted to host Ryan Seacrest about the historic celebrations taking place in London.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla's unexpected cameo during Sunday's was almost as big a surprise for Ryan Seacrest as it was for everyone watching.Following Sunday's new episode of, Seacrest spoke with ET's Denny Directo, and explained how quickly the high-profile cameos came together.«I have to tell you, I was driving in and my phone rings and it's the executive producer and she says, 'Well, we've got some news,'» Seacrest shared. «I thought maybe something happened [with a contestant].