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Clay Aiken slams ‘American Idol’ contestants Catie Turner, Ada Vox

The season two runner-up had harsh critiques for the current season

Published

8 years ago

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Clay Aiken (Screenshot via YouTube)

Clay Aiken isn’t impressed with this season of “American Idol. ”

The season two runner-up shaded Catie Turner for forgetting the lyrics during her performance of “Manic Monday” by The Bangles. Instead of criticizing Turner for the flub, the judges praised her for pulling through the song.

“So when i was on @AmericanIdol I slightly flubbed some lyrics. Nowhere near this noticable.. https://youtu.be/tt1_QVQ8KMQ and even Paula gave me hell. This girl gets a therapy session?! Really? Seriously??! What happened to the show we loved? #MakeIdolGreatAgain,” Aiken tweeted.

In another tweet, Aiken slammed the show for not being the cutthroat reality series it once was.

“Remember back 2002 – 2003 when @AmericanIdol was a high stakes singing competition & we were all waiting and nervously anticipating what @SimonCowell had to say? Why’s it now totally without critique and essentially just a Vacation Bible School talent show? #MakeIdolGreatAgain,” Aiken tweeted.

Turner fired back at Aiken tweeting, “im sorry clay you are still upset about something that happened to you 16 years ago it shows bitterness doesnt age well!”

Although Turner had the support of the judges, Turner was eliminated by America later that night.

Ada Vox, who was eliminated earlier in the season, also chimed in to support Turner tweeting, “You’re really starting to look desperate @clayaiken … you had your time. There’s no point in attacking an 18 year old girl because you’re bitter about your fuck up. Stop trying to stay relevant by riding the coat tails of a show that you couldn’t win, either. #TakeASeat”

Aiken had previously slammed Vox in an op-ed for the Huffington Post saying the drag performer wasn’t the best singer in the competition.

Vox also responded to that jab saying, “Thank you for the words, @clayaiken !!
From this, I will take your words and use them to build myself up to become even better. I know that there are great things to come for me in the near future, and I’m glad that you believe in my career! Im honestly honored. Thank you!”

“American Idol” airs on Sundays at 8 p.m. on FOX.

 

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2026 Most Eligible LGBTQ Singles nominations

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Queer highlights of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Aunt Gladys, that ‘Heated Rivalry’ shoutout and more

Amy Madigan’s win in the supporting actress category puts her in serious contention to win the Oscar for ‘Weapons’

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2 days ago

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January 5, 2026

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From Chelsea Handler shouting out Heated Rivalry in her opening monologue to Amy Madigan proving that horror performances can (and should) be taken seriously, the Critics Choice Awards provided plenty of iconic moments for queer movie fans to celebrate on the long road to Oscar night.

Handler kicked off the ceremony by recapping the biggest moments in pop culture last year, from Wicked: For Good to Sinners. She also made room to joke about the surprise hit TV sensation on everyone’s minds: “Shoutout to Heated Rivalry. Everyone loves it! Gay men love it, women love it, straight men who say they aren’t gay but work out at Equinox love it!”

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