The one-time contestant slammed the new line-up during the premiere on Wednesday night.
To say Clay Aiken didn't like the season premiere of the final season of American Idol would be an understatement.
Read: Clay Aiken on 'American Idol' Ending: 'It Was About The Kid Next Door Making it Big'
He went on a Twitter rampage:
Well... now I know why the ratings are down. ?
— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
Oh good Lord... those boring ass responses from the judges!? Where is Simon when you need him!? That guy need a hook to pull him off stage.
— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
It's VERY clear now that @SimonCowell was the reason @AmericanIdol was a hit. I've watched root canals more entertaining than these judges.
— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
Fans of the show immediately went on the attack:
“He seems to have abandoned any sense of gratitude for the entertainment machine that plucked him out of obscurity and made him a household name," one person wrote.
“Considering this 'boring' show is what put Clay Aiken on the map...sounds like bitter pill to me,” wrote another.
Read: Sharon Osbourne Kicks Stage Invader at People's Choice Awards
Aiken defended his comments, tweeting:
We're all more critical of the things we care about most.
— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
When you really love something you only want the best for it, and you have high expectations from those you know are capable of it.
— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016
But season one winner Kelly Clarkson praised the show that made her a star, tweeting:
Watching @AmericanIdol & totally crying like a pregnant girl every time some1 makes it ha! Last season, so crazy! Thanks 4 my start Idol :)
— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) January 7, 2016
Carrie Underwood, who catapulted to stardom on Idol, also weighed in.
She tweeted:
Been walking down memory lane a lot lately...hard to believe it's @AmericanIdol 's last season! Thank you for making my dreams come true!
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) January 6, 2016
Watch Below: Former American Idol Contestant Has Surprising Profession
