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Producer Says ‘Vile Comments’ Toward ‘American Idol’ Contestants Are Worse Than Ever: ‘Be Kind’
In the early days of “American Idol,” contestants — including current judge Carrie Underwood –developed a thick skin while facing harsh criticisms from original judge Simon Cowell. But social media has turned everyday viewers into the harshest critics of all and one producer says it’s worse than ever.
Casting producer Audrey Pine Wright took to Instagram on April 16, 2025, to address how bad the online hate has become and urged viewers to “be kind.” Many current contestants thanked Wright for speaking out as they try to deal with the deluge of mean-spirited comments coming their way.
Casting Producer Audrey Pine Wright Says ‘It’s Not That Difficult To Be Nice!’
Wright, who has been an artist manager for more than a decade and a casting producer on “Idol” since season 20, per LinkedIn, has posted numerous videos about the inner workings of the show for those curious about auditioning in future seasons. But on April 16, she recorded a video with a different purpose, focused on the importance of “being kind to people.”
Wright said, “So, of course, all of the contestants come on the show knowing that they are going to be out there for all of the world to see. That comes with the territory of being in the public eye. But I have seen some of the most vile comments about contestants that I’ve ever seen in past years.”
“I don’t know if it’s the world that we live in or if it’s just people hiding behind their screen,” she continued. “Probably a little bit of both.”
Acknowledging that viewers are free to comment, good or bad, on each singer, she urged her followers, “However you want to react to the artists performing, do it with kindness and humility, and the tiniest bit of grace goes a long way. There’s no need to comment on somebody’s looks or whether or not you feel they deserve to be there. They all deserve to be on that (‘Idol’) oval.”
“So, when you’re watching the show,” Wright concluded, “just remember, these are human beings trying to make a go at their careers. All of them, whether or not they are part of celebrity families or not, everybody’s vying for the same position. So, just be kind.”
Multiple season 23 contestants expressed their gratitude to Wright for her message, including Slater Nalley, Kyana Fanene, and Drew Ryn, who commented, “🙌 Say it again”
Thunderstorm Artis wrote, “We are blessed to have you” and Zaylie Windsor added, “THIS🙌🏻”
Fellow casting producer and “Idol” warmup host Josh Randall chimed in, “Kindness costs nothing, but can mean everything ❤️”
Some contestants have tried a variety tactics for addressing mean comments, including Top 24 artist Penny Samar, who made a tongue-in-cheek “diss track” about herself (seen above). After the judges said her facial expressions were too exaggerated during her audition, viewers began peppering her with similar but far more searing comments online.
Meanwhile, Baylee Littrell, the son of Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell, has been widely scrutinized on social media as a “nepo baby,” with some fans accusing “Idol” of advancing him because of his famous dad.
His mom stuck up for the 22-year-old singer on social media, writing on April 7, “Love you bub! I love your heart ! I love your song writing , I love your voice! Don’t listen to the negative peeps hating on you because of who your dad is You have so many people who love you for who you are and how talented you are! Keep shinning! Keep on keeping on! You have always carved your own path, and will continue too! We are so proud of you!!!!”
“American Idol” season 23 airs Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern time on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
