Television April 16, 2015
Harry Connick, Jr. Fires Back at ‘American Idol’ Contestant: ‘If It’s Whack, You Can Always Go Home’
Controversy took center stage on “American Idol” last night after contestant Quentin Alexander got a little overly emotional about who was going home, and called the whole show “whack.” That didn't sit well with judge Harry Connick, Jr.
Connick reacted to Alexander's remarks, "Quentin, if it's that whack, you can always go home, because 'Idol' is paying a lot of money to give you this experience… to say that to the hand that is feeding you is highly disrespectful."
The “Idol” hopeful returned to the stage seconds later to backtrack, telling host Ryan Seacrest of his outburst, “This sucks… we've got two of the best vocalists, my best friend is sitting over there,” he said, pointing to Joey Cooke and Rayvon Owen in the bottom two chairs, knowing one of them would be going home, he went on, "This whole thing is whack, but I'm going to shut up right now."
“Extra's” Renee Bargh caught up with Connick after the show, who said, “I guess I was a little surprised, only because it's a great honor and a gift to be part of this show, so when I heard the phrase, 'this whole thing is whack,' that did surprise me. I was surprised that anybody who's had this opportunity would say it.” He continued, “I think he seems like a really nice guy and I think he got caught up.”
