Whoopi Goldberg SLAMS American Idol as ‘downfall of society’ before backtracking
Whoopi Goldberg labeled American Idol the “downfall of society” before sheepishly backing down in an awkward blunder on Thursday’s The View.
The actress, 67, was forced into a fawning explanation after scheduling the ABC show — before a producer reminded her that The View is on the same network in an excruciating exchange.
The drama started when Goldberg talked about the Netflix documentary Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me, which she claimed “dwelled” in the star’s final days.
She said, “You’ve got Basketball Wives, you’ve got the Housewives of whatever, all the Bravo shows, that give you the impression that you’re doing something wrong because you’re living your life.
‘People watch these programs because they feel better. I think as a society we like to look at things to judge people.
Blunder: Whoopi Goldberg labeled American Idol the “downfall of society” before sheepishly backing down in an awkward gaffe on Thursday’s The View
Last Idol: American Idol Season 21 was won by Iam Tongi, 18, who defeated Colin Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 19, in the final
“You know, I always thought the beginning of society’s downfall was with, uh, what’s that show called, I always tell you that?” — before turning to executive producer Brian Teta.
Teta replied, “ABC’s American Idol?” — with an embarrassed Goldberg firing back: “Well, it wasn’t always on ABC… Once we gave people the ability to judge other people, I think we ran amok with it, and it got out of hand .’
American Idol originally aired on Fox from 2002 to 2016 – before returning to ABC in 2018.
Goldberg added, “They invited the audience to decide who their person was” before Teta made a seemingly off-camera gesture to the Ghost star, who replied, “Did you really just do that?”
Teta also asked Goldberg to agree that “Idol has gotten better and you like it no.”
She said, “When I looked at it, ABC didn’t have it. We’ve got it now, and it’s a different show. … ABC knows I feel this way, I told them. It has nothing to do with them; it has to do with the show.’
Season 21 of American Idol was won by Iam Tongi, 18, who defeated Colin Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 19, in the final,
American Idol’s season finale experienced a ratings drop amid backlash from fans calling the show “rigged.”
Wow: The actress, 67, was forced into a fawning backtrack after scheduling her fellow ABC show – before a producer reminded her that The View is on the same network in an excruciating exchange
Stop talking Whoopi! Teta replied, “ABC’s American Idol?” — with an embarrassed Goldberg firing back: “Well, it wasn’t always on ABC… Once we gave people the ability to judge other people, I think we ran amok with it, and it got out of hand .’
The sun reports that 5.7 million viewers tuned in for the May 21 season finale, a drop in ratings after a steady rise in ratings.
On May 14, 6.3 million people watched the show, while 6.1 million watched the May 7 episode.
The April 30 episode drew 5.9 million viewers, while both the week before and the season premiere drew 5.3 million viewers.
Fans accused the show of being rigged when not only did Iam win, but contestant Wé Ani was eliminated the week before.
The March 12 episode was the lowest-rated episode of the season, with only 3.3 million people tuning in.
Born in Hawaii but of Tongan and Samoan descent, Tongi was crowned the winner of the hit show’s 21st season after a nationwide vote during a three-hour, star-studded finale on ABC.
He played Don’t Let Go by Spawnbreezie as his family in the audience waved their hands in the air.
Some fans upset by the result took to social media, with one writing on Twitter, “American Idol is rigged. Colin Stough was the best there was.’
Another claimed that I won on voter sympathy rather than talent, writing, “Clearly the likeable vote is in.”
With a third simply adding, “I’m so over this rigged American Idol.”
Another was so upset by the result they tagged host Ryan Seacrest and asked, “So Ryan, I thought #AmericanIdol was a singing contest?” Any reason the obviously better singer didn’t win? Curious… just asking. Thank you.’
When Wé was eliminated, fans also accused the show of manipulating the results.
“This show has been manipulated. We Ani should definitely be the winner of this season,” one fan tweeted.
Claims: American Idol’s season finale experienced ratings drop amid backlash from fans calling the show “rigged”
Watching at home: Viewers were divided on the result with some saying Colin was the better singer
We Ani is the best singer of American Idol. She is this generation of Whitney Houston. You can’t compare her to Colin or Iam. American Idol is rigged,” another commented.
Tongi already has a number of connections in the music industry and released a single ‘Dreams’ in November 2020.
On the show, Tongi was mentored by Australian country star Keith Urban.
Other viewers said they were happy for Iam.
One wrote: “Congratulations Iam Tongi, the winner of American Idol 2023!”
Another said, “Iam Tongi has made American Idol his show!”