Taniya Boatwright, a 17-year-old high school pageant winner, did not make it to the next round of auditions on Season 20 of American Idol— and fans are not happy about it.

Appearing on the third episode this season, Boatwright failed to ‘impress’ judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

In a transparent moment prior to singing the classic, ‘A Change Is Gone Come’ by Sam Cooke, Boatwright shared that she was bullied about her weight and that she admired Season 19 finalist, Willie Spence.

Boatwright’s rendition of the Sam Cooke classic didn’t go over well with the judges.

Perry informed Boatright that she expected more ‘volume’ and Boatright seemed restrained.

Bryan explained that Boatwright’s set was contained and very subtle. Richie told the teen to practice and come back in a few years. Then, all of the judges collectively ended her American Idol journey with a “no.”



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Fans of the show were not thrilled and took to social media to voice their concerns.

“BRING HER BACK!”wrote a viewer. “#AmericanIdol is sending her home and taking Dakota to Hollywood is complete b******t.” another shared.

“That country boy Dakota was boring and couldn’t sing and he’s “top 10” but Taniya was a no”, wrote another.

“She should’ve been given a second song! That was so frustrating — she was beautiful & sooo talented,” tweeted a fan.

“They got it wrong. She was amazing. You could tell she had more but was holding back. They should have given her the chance. So many more with far less talent went through. You will be a star. Your voice is beautiful. Keep singing," said another.

“They turned down Taniya, who killed it, but took the Tennessee whiskey guy?, tweeted a viewer. “It’s all rigged.”

Someone else followed up, tweeting, “Thats was a huge mistake #AmericanIdol for not letting taniya go throughh #justicefortaniya”

American Idol airs Sundays on ABC.

Watch her audition below: