Whoopi Goldberg called American Idol “the downfall of society” before she sheepishly backtracked and made an embarrassing blunder on Thursday’s The View.
The 67-year-old actress was forced into a submissive declaration after scheduling the ABC show – a producer reminded her that ‘The View’ is on the same network and they were in an agonizing exchange.
The drama began when Goldberg opened up about the Netflix documentary Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me, which she says “dwelled” in the star’s final days.
She said, “There’s basketball wives, there’s 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 shows because they make them feel better.” I think as a society we love to watch things to judge people.”
Faux pas: Whoopi Goldberg called American Idol “the downfall of society” before making an embarrassing blunder on Thursday’s show “The View.”
Latest 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’ve always believed that society’s downfall started with, um, what’s the name of that show I keep telling you?” — before reaching out to executive producer Brian Teta.
Teta replied, “ABC’s American Idol?” – Goldberg retorted sheepishly, “Well, it wasn’t always on ABC…Once we gave people a chance to judge other people, I think we ran amok with it , and it’s out of control.”
American Idol originally aired on Fox from 2002 to 2016 – before returning to ABC in 2018.
Goldberg added, “They asked the public to decide who their person was,” before Teta seemingly gestured offstage at the “Ghost” star, who replied, “Did you really just do that?”
Teta also asked Goldberg to agree: “Idol has gotten better and you don’t like it.”
She said, “When I saw it, ABC didn’t have it.” We have 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.’
American Idol season 21 was won by Iam Tongi (18) who defeated Colin Stough (18) and Megan Danielle (19) in the final.
The season finale of “American Idol” experienced a ratings drop due to backlash from fans who called the show “rigged.”
Wow: The 67-year-old actress was forced into a fawning retreat after scheduling the date for her other ABC show – before a producer, in an agonizing exchange, reminded her that The View is on the same network
Stop talking Whoopi! Teta replied, “ABC’s American Idol?” – Goldberg retorted sheepishly, “Well, it wasn’t always on ABC…Once we gave people a chance to judge other people, I think we ran amok with it , and it’s out of control.”
The Sun reports that 5.7 million viewers watched the May 21 season finale, a decline 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 each drew 5.3 million viewers.
Fans accused the show of manipulation 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 viewers.
Tongi, who was born in Hawaii but is of Tongan and Samoan descent, 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 performed “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie while his family waved their hands in the audience.
Some fans, upset with the result, took to social media. One wrote on Twitter: “American Idol is rigged.” “Colin Stough was the best out there.”
Another claimed that I won on voter sympathy rather than talent, writing, “Obviously the sympathy vote solution is in place.”
A third simply added, “I am so overwhelmed by this manipulated American Idol.”
Another was so upset with the result that he tagged host Ryan Seacrest and asked, “So Ryan I thought #AmericanIdol was a singing competition?” Any reason the obviously better singer didn’t win? Curious… just ask. Thank you very much.’
When Wé dropped out, fans also accused the show of manipulating the results.
“This show is rigged. “We Ani should definitely be this season’s winner,” tweeted one fan.
Claims: The season finale of ‘American Idol’ experienced a ratings drop due to backlash from fans who called the show ‘rigged’.
Watch at home: Viewers were divided over the result, with some saying Colin was the better singer
“We Ani is the best singer on American Idol.” She is Whitney Houston of this generation. You can’t compare them to Colin or Iam. “American Idol is rigged,” noted another.
Tongi already has numerous contacts in the music industry and released a single entitled “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 to Iam Tongi, the winner of American Idol 2023!”
Another said: “Iam Tongi made American Idol his show!”