American Idol fans react to the shocking elimination of Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill from the Top 8, calling the show ‘rigged’!

This week on American Idol season 23, the competition narrowed down to the Top 8, leaving fans in shock after Kolbi Jordan and Canaan James Hill were eliminated. After the performances wrapped up, including appearances by former winner Abi Carter and guest mentor Miranda Lambert, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Thunderstorm Artis, Kolbi Jordan, and Canaan James Hill were at the bottom after the public vote.

Seacrest confirmed that all finalists received over a million votes, but the least votes went to Kolbi and Canaan, prompting an outpour of frustration from fans online. Many expressed disbelief, questioning how contestants like Josh and Mattie remained in the competition while Kolbi and Canaan were sent home.

“Can someone explain how Josh and Mattie are still on #AmericanIdol but Canaan and Kolbi aren’t?” one fan tweeted, while another commented, “Mattie and Josh would beat Kolbi and Canaan in a sing-off? No way.”

Some fans even voiced their dissatisfaction with the show’s decision, with one tweet reading, “How is Kolbi sent home and Thunderstorm stays? This is outrageous, I’m done watching!” Another fan stated, “Kolbi and Canaan were two of the best voices in the history of the show. They shouldn’t have been eliminated.”

The elimination sparked intense reactions, with fans expressing their belief that voting politics were at play, even recalling past injustices like Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, and Letoya London’s controversial placements. Despite the disappointment, many remained hopeful for the future of the remaining contestants.

Stay tuned for more American Idol action this Monday, May 5, 2025, as the Top 8 take the stage on ABC!