‘American Idol’ Why Fans Think Josh King Should Go Home After Heartfelt Performance
Season 23 of American Idol has recently reached its Top 14 contestants. One contestant that fans have been talking about is Josh King, with some even questioning whether he should stay on the show. This also comes out as he recently opened up about his song choices on the show.
Josh King Recently Spoke About One Of His Latest Song Selections On American Idol
King, who is originally from North Carolina, auditioned back in Nashville. Auditioning with “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz and The Temptations’ “My Girl,” he didn’t impress Carrie Underwood, but Richie and Bryan voted him onto the next rounds.
During his time on the show, King has performed Rick Astley’s “Hopelessly” and Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.” Recently, he later followed up on “Hopelessly” with another Astley song, the famously memetic “Never Gonna Give You Up.” He performed this following Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.”
The season recently settled on its Top 14. While viewers had submitted their votes, the judges still had the power to save some of singers.
The Top 14 currently includes Kolbi Jordan, Thunderstorm Artis, Filo, John Foster, Mattie Pruitt, Canaan James Hill, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, Slater Nalley, and Gabby Samone. Four singers who were also saved by the judges included Desmond Roberts, Ché, Amanda Barise, and Josh King.
According to USA Today, King admitted him making it to the next round was something of a surprise to him. In fact, it reportedly impacted his song selection. As he himself shared, “I was convinced I was going home, and that’s why I did ‘Never Gonna Give You Up.'”
Some American Idol Fans Defended The Contestants Who Were Eliminated
“I’m like, ‘You know what? If I’m going down with this ship, I’m going down in a blaze of glory.’ If I got eliminated today, it would be almost poetic that I did that song.”
On social media, however, King also gave a more heartfelt reason for performing Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.” As he revealed, “I chose ‘You Are So Beautiful’ tonight for my mom, a breast cancer survivor, because her faith, the doctors at the hospital I volunteer at, and a miracle from above. All of these combined are why she was able to be there today to watch my performance.”
However, some on social media were not too happy about King making it to the next round. Taking to X, one fan wrote, “Josh King in the Top 14? He’s this season’s clown #Americanidol.”
Josh King in the Top 14? He’s this seasons clown #Americanidol
— Sean (@sean2637) April 22, 2025
A few fans especially highlighted performers that have since been eliminated this season. One fan shared, “MKY would’ve tore that stage up but noooo y’all wanted to choose Josh…like I will forever be salty about this.”
Other fans weighed in on King making it to Season 23’s Top 14. King had his defenders, though others didn’t always like the songs he picked. A few comments included:
- “Last night was great. But he deserves to go home for picking a Rick Astley song to sing. Ugh. Week after week his song choice misses the mark.”
- “He was one of my favorites last night and easily my favorite of the first half. I think he’s on the cusp right now, but I’m rooting for him tonight!”
- “Judges f**ked up pickin Josh n Amanda over Victor n Isiah WTFFFF.”
- “I must not be getting the memo because WHAT is it in Josh’s voice that is worthy of winning American Idol???”
- “Ugh I’m so annoyed. Josh!? Really!? Really wish Drew made it through.”
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