Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Genevieve Heyward was one of the talented singers eliminated on American Idol Monday night (ABC Photo)

Throughout Monday’s episode of American Idol, the judges kept raving about the diversity of the Season 24 Top 14.

I couldn’t help thinking: What the hell are you talking about?

And for the first time in a long, long, long, long time, I wished the American Idol judges had hand-picked some members of that Top 14.

Hey, look, it’s a talented Top 14. But in the process of creating a Top 14, American Idol sent home six talented singers.

Those six include their only two female rockers, their only two minors (both wickedly talented), their only country singer and one of the most powerful female singers on the show.

Meanwhile, every guitar-slinging male singer-songwriter advanced.

In other words, more diversity left the show than remained.

I was most sorry to see the elimination of Genevieve Heyward, aka The Pickle Girl. I ranked her number seven among the show’s Top 20 based on a string of superlative peformances.

I also expected her elimination. Idol fans don’t embrace bold, self-confident female performers nearly as quickly as they embrace guitar-toting guys. It’s why I fear the incredibly talented Rae might leave the show sooner than she should.

Anyway, don’t forget fans, Genevieve and Kutter both have music out. In Genevieve’s case, that includes an EP called “Sprinkles,” released last September. Guess how Genevieve promoted it? By eating sprinkles on pickles.

Here’s what Genevieve, Kutter, Abayomi, Makiyah, Ruby Rae and Madison Moon had to say about their times on American Idol. Follow the links to go to the actual post.

Abayomi: “My journey is not over! God’s Grace you’ll see me! Thank you @americanidol for the opportunity! This is just the beginning look out for ABAYOMI! Trust and believe you are going to see more of me!”

Genevieve Heyward: “Good morning from an only slightly sad Genevieve. I’m so excited for what’s to come next and thank you to everyone that’s been following along, we’re just getting started babyaaaa.”

Kutter Bradley: “Thank you @americanidol, from Nashville to Hawaii all the way to the Top 20 live shows in Hollywood California! Made some great memories and good friends!
With that being said time to get to work, gonna get some new music and shows to you real soon so stay tuned!”

Madison Moon: “Welp my journey on the @americanidol stage has come to an end… BUT this is just the beginning! Thank you to @carrieunderwood , @lukebryan and @lionelrichie for giving me shot ! Thank you @krispooley and your wonderful band! Thank you to all my new friends.”

Makiyah: “LORD I THANK YOU 🙌🏾❤️ In everything I do, I give thanks! My journey with @americanidol has come to an end. I am so grateful that God granted me with this opportunity. It has been a wonderful experience and an amazing journey. Thank for all of your support. I love you all, this is only the beginning. The work starts now.”

Ruby Rae: “It’s taken me a bit to process my elimination but i just wanted to come on here with total gratitude 🤍 i am definitely very sad about leaving the show but i am even more sad about leaving the amazing people i met. i made so many incredible friends and memories and i am so so thankful for this experience. i want to thank my family, friends and community for supporting me every step of the way and helping me get this far. i didn’t even think i’d get a golden ticket, let alone make the top 20. this show has made so many of my dreams come true, but i still have lots more big dreams that i can’t wait to share with you all.”

Abayomi, the youngest member of the Top 20, was eliminated from American Idol on Monday. (ABC Photo)