(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key).

Clay Aiken took to Twitter on Wednesday to slam the final season premiere of “American Idol” for being less entertaining than a root canal.

Aiken, who was second season runner-up in 2003, appeared on the show when it was more of a household hit across the country. Watching episodes from the earlier seasons included good singing but also lots of horrific auditions, such as the infamous William Hung, and plenty of biting snark from former judge Simon Cowell.

For Aiken, new judges Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez weren’t delivering the humiliating one-liners the show became famous for. The 37-year-old also made a brief appearance in the episode, along with some other fellow “Idol” alums such as Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, but even that wasn’t enough to keep him entertained.

Well… now I know why the ratings are down. ?

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016

Later, Aiken tweeted his feelings during a contestant named Joe’s audition. Joe claimed to be a classically trained singer but instead delivered a tone-deaf performance. It would have been the perfect fodder for Cowell to whip out a cutting remark, but Connick Jr, Urban and Lopez half-heartedly criticized the audition.

Oh good Lord… those boring ass responses from the judges!? Where is Simon when you need him!? That guy need a hook to pull him off stage. — Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016

It’s VERY clear now that @SimonCowell was the reason @AmericanIdol was a hit. I’ve watched root canals more entertaining than these judges.

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016