Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Drew Ryn performing ‘Million Reasons’ Monday night on American Idol. (ABC Photo)

American Idol reduced its cast from 20 to 14 Monday night. And the cut that seemed to anger fans the most was the elimination of Drew Ryn.

Drew, a standout on The X Factor USA 14 years ago at age 14, wasn’t among the top 10 vote-getters after Sunday’s vote, meaning she had to sing for a judges’ save Monday night.

She performed Lady Gaga’s “Million Reasons.” But at the end of the show, the judges handed out saves to Amanda Barise, Che Chesterman, Desmond Roberts and Josh King.

And that meant Drew Ryn — Drew Ryniewicz when she was on X Factor — headed home.

I tend to agree with the upset fans. I have no idea what the judges were thinking.

As I always do once voting time arrives, I graded Monday’s performances. I ranked Drew among the top six performers Monday night.

More importantly, I ranked her right alongside Amanda as turning in one of the best performances among the singers seeking a save.

Season 23 is full of belters. Season 23 is shy on singers with a knack for delivering power and emotion.

Thunderstorm Artis is a master of that. Breanna Nix is proving she can do it too. You know who else can: Drew Ryn.

The Idol judges seem to put little stock in that ability. In feedback that made absolutely no sense, Lionel Richie said he wanted to see more energy if Drew got another chance to perform on the Idol stage.

More energy? You mean delivering one big note after another and executing all sorts of runs when you’re not singing glory notes?

Lionel, Lionel. Luke, Luke. Come on. Do you guys remember anything about Season 22?

I do. My two favorite performances of the entire season came when Kaibrienne performed “Girl I Am Now” — and broke down with emotion in the middle of the song — and when Emily Russell performed “Coal Miner’s Daughter” in a stirring tribute to her grandmother.

Not huge notes. Just heartfelt performances. Performances that made me feel something.

In her Idol exit comments, Drew took a couple of mild swipes at Idol. Follow the link to read the entire message. In part, she writes:

“No matter how the night ended, I’m proud of what I gave on that stage.…. and yes, I was at the beginning of the show AGAIN (LOL) but it was just me, on my knees, giving everything I had to that moment. Raw and real. I feel really proud to have shared my soul with the world in this way …

“This isn’t the end just the beginning of a new chapter. I’m ready for whatever’s next. Your love, kindness, and generosity have carried me, and I truly believe the best is still ahead.”

Now, I told you fans were upset over the judges’ decision. Here’s a small sampling of more than 350 comments posted to my Facebook page.

JRochelle DL: “I can’t stand the screaming. To me, that’s not enjoyable to listen to!!!!! Drew’s voice is so pretty. Come on! Y’all have EARS!!!!”

Donna Wakefield Williamson: “Judges got this one wrong. She is too good to be sent home.”

Donna Grosso McAfee: “Baffled that they brought back the lounge singer over her!”

Rita Kaye Vetsch: “She got robbed!!!!!!”

Vicki Vaughn Terry: “I was very disappointed that Drew was eliminated. Beautiful voice. So much talent.”

Lisa Capobianco-Maranzino: “So disappointed the judges didn’t use the save on her. She is an incredible singer. Her voice is pure, yet powerful, and she doesn’t scream. She DID NOT deserve to be voted off. 😡”

Jen Biundo: “I’m so sad I cried!!! I loved her so much!!!”

My suggestion to those upset by Idol’s decision: Check out Drew’s original music, including a great song called “Walk on Water” that she released earlier this year.