American Idol finale experiences ratings DROP amid backlash from fans slamming 'rigged' show
by Daily Mail
Daily Mail— The Sun reports 5.7 million viewers tuned into the May 21 season finale, a decline from previous episodes.
Daily Mail—American Idol fans slam 'rigged' results after Iam Tongi, 18, wins. American Idol fans slammed 'rigged' results after the final aired on Sunday night where Tongan-Samoan contestant Iam Tongi was crowned the winner.
New York Post—‘American Idol’ fans claim competition ‘rigged’ as Iam Tongi named winner. Viewers of Sunday's "American Idol" season finale slammed the talent show on social media, claiming that the competition was "rigged" in favor of the 18-year-old Hawaiian.
Page Six—Katy Perry’s ‘American Idol’ finale look divides fans: ‘Is she at a swim meet?’. “Is she at a swim meet?” one viewer asked as another wrote, “I’m not sure who picked that red outfit for you tonight, but it’s not flattering at all!”