"Robbed!"— American Idol fans upset over MKY's shocking elimination

American Idol season 23 aired episode 11 on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The segment featured "songs of faith" in tune of this week's Easter holiday theme as the Top 20 were announced.

Before each performer took to the stage, host Ryan Seacreast revealed whether they made it to the Top 20 or not, and then, only those who advanced could perform. This meant the four contestants, who didn't go ahead, could not perform on April 20, 2025. This included MKY aka Mikey Jimenez, who was eliminated from the show during its Easter Special.

Fans of the singing competition reacted to MKY's elimination online and were upset to see the fan-favorite go home. One person wrote on X:

"MKY was robbed!"

Netizens react to MKY's elimination (Image via X/@lilacpeeps)

"I Called It. I knew MKY wasn't going to last because the Idol audience is never going to go for this s*xy sh**! Pretty boy types have NEVER been what Idol's audience wants!!!" a fan commented.

"MKY going home has to be the BIGGEST upset.. but we needed 3 country singers & a nepo baby… yall suck," a tweet read.

Fans of American Idol season 23 criticized the show in light of the latest elimination:

"We just turned it. Done with the show," a person wrote.

"So happy for Kolbi & gutted for @mky Get him in the studio with the right producers. He is ready to go," a fan commented.

"I feel so bad for MKY omg he was so genuine," a tweet read.

Fans of American Idol season 23 further said:

"How is it that someone hot, fit, charismatic and could actually sing like MKY doesn’t make top 20 on #AmericanIdol it’s shaping out to be the most uninspired bunch of pedestrians this season," a person wrote.

"Why they eliminated the only one with star quality. He could be the next Benson Boone," a fan commented.

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MKY's American Idol season 23 journey explored

MKY first appeared on American Idol season 23 during the March 17, 2025 episode. At the time, he sang Ooo Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, which earned him praises and three nods from the judges, advancing him to the next round.

In the Hollywood Round, the American Idol season 23 singer performed a Spanish track to bring his culture forward and made it to the Top 24. In Hawaii, as part of Top 24, he sang Adorn by a Mexican-American singer Miguel. However, that was MKY's last performance on the show as he was eliminated earlier this week during the Easter special.

After his elimination from the singing reality show, MKY or Mikey took to Instagram to reflect on his journey. The singer wrote in the post caption that he would "forever cherish" the moments, memories, and the friends he made.

The American Idol season 23 contestant further said that he would "always" be grateful for the opportunity to sing and represent Los Angeles on a national platform. MKY added that although his journey was over, he wanted to embrace all the love and support he gained.

"Be ready because this is just the beginning," he added.

MKY wasn't the only eliminated contestant who reflected upon his journey online. Grayson Torrence, who was also eliminated during Sunday's episode, thanked the show for "everything" and for letting her meet some of the "best people" she met. She added that she wouldn't be who she was if she hadn't participated in the show and thanked those who pushed her to chase her dreams.

Fans online reacted to MKY's elimination ahead of the Top 20 and were upset to see him go.

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Tune in every Monday and Tuesday to watch new episodes of American Idol season 23 on ABC.