A MAJOR imbalance in American Idol’s Top 14 has producers quietly sounding the alarm behind-the-scenes, The U.S. Sun has learned.
What should have been a celebratory moment for American Idol has turned into growing concern behind the scenes as the newly revealed Top 14 has exposed a stark gender divide that producers did not see coming.
At the top of this week’s episode, host Ryan Seacrest announced what 14 singing hopefuls would continue in the competition – slashing six people from the Top 20.
The Season 23 Top 14 results skewed heavily male, with only 4 out of the 14 contestant being women – which has sparked fears of an all-men endgame for both the audience and show producers, an insider claimed.
“Production is already discussing how the women who are left can feel highlighted and really shine.
“Worst case scenario will be the women being cut one by one and a Top 8 of all men,” a source close to the show exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
As far as how production will go about the remainder of the season, the source said that there’s only so much they can do to “not give special treatment” to any one individual, but that the women will have their “full support.”
“The show cannot give special treatment to select people – but they will do everything they can to keep the women in the competition.
“This is not what anyone who works at the show wanted – but it’s America’s vote. Their hands are tied.”
The four women who made it through to the Top 14 of Season 23 are: Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper, Rae, and Kyndal Inskeep.
The 10 men who are still in the running to be the next American Idol are: Brooks, Jesse Findling, Lucas Leon, Daniel Stallworth, Philmon Lee, Jake Thistle, Braden Rumfelt, Julián Kalel, Jordan McCullough, and Chris Tungseth.
The shocking imbalance, which came at the hands of America’s vote and not from judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, or Carrie Underwood, comes during an already messy week for the long-running ABC hit.
Monday night’s episode was supposed to deliver the highly anticipated Top 12 – but instead descended into chaos after technical difficulties disrupted the live voting process.
Producers were left scrambling backstage as the show struggled to verify results in real time, ultimately forcing them to delay the elimination announcement altogether.
Contestants were left in limbo – and insiders say the unexpected hiccup only intensified existing concerns about how the season is unfolding.
Now, producers are said to be quietly strategizing ways to elevate the remaining female contestants – without crossing the line into interference.
“They’re very aware of optics,” the insider added.
“They want the women to stand out and connect with the audience – but they have to be careful. They can’t impact the vote.”
Viewers aren’t staying quiet about the results – with many already calling out the imbalance online and accusing the show of becoming “predictable” and “male-heavy.”
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/tv/16176595/american-idol-top-14-producers-panic-male-contestants/