Wé Ani: Middle Americans vote for their people to win American Idol
Many American Idol fans were disappointed when voters eliminated Wé Ani off the show at the Top 5 last week (Read our Recap). However, the Harlem born singer is taking her elimination in stride
“You want to know what it is? I think it’s not even that they wouldn’t vote for me,” said Wé to NorthJersey.com. “It’s like when people can acknowledge that this food is really good, it looks great, I’m sure it tastes great, but I want to go with something else — I want my favorite meal,” she said.
“I think the reason I didn’t get the votes is because people saw the people they wanted to win. There are a lot of people in middle America that are watching the show. They want their people to win,” Wé said. “That’s completely understandable. I completely get it.”
Country singers have won 3 out of 5 of the ABC seasons
In the ABC era of American Idol alone, country singers have won three out of five seasons, including Laine Hardy in 2019, Chayce Beckham in 2020 and Noah Thompson in 2021. The current front runner, Iam Tongi is a breezy, eclectic folk singer. But the top 3 is rounded out by country singers from the south, Colin Stough and Megan Danielle.
Additionally, over the years, east coast and west coast contestants don’t typically pull in the fan support that midwestern and southern singers do. A couple of exceptions include Connecticut native Nick Fradiani who won season 14 back in the FOX era and Just Sam from Harlem, the season 18 champ. Sam won the strange COVID season where the finalists taped performances at home. The finale included a top 5, with Sam as the only R&B singer, she had a lane to herself. If things had proceeded normally, the result might have been different.
In any case, Wé is looking forward to performing on Sunday’s finale (May 21) and the release of her Idol winners single “175 Pounds” on Friday (May 19).
“I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world”
The morning after voters eliminated Wé from the show, she wrote a thank you note to her fans. “Y’all I am blessed and in high spirits! Thank you to everyone who supported, voted, and cheered me on!” she wrote on Instagram. “I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world because I’ve learned so much about myself and met some of my best friends! I’m so beyond proud of my fellow contestants @colinstough @megandaniellemusic @wtongi @realzachariahsmith!”
“That’s family fr! AND this is only the beginning because me and @oakestra have a new song coming out THIS FRIDAY!!!! SURPRISE!!! And you guys will see me next week for more special surprises!!” The singer continued, “Although I didn’t win the competition, I in no way feel like I’ve lost! Who’s ready to keep on this ride with me? I love you guys so so so so much #harlemstandup #WéAni #Top5”
We’s spectacular run on American Idol included covers of Aretha Franklin’s “Ain’t Know Way,” Demi Lovato’s “Anyone,” Adele’s “Skyfall,” a rocked out version of Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me and Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited.”
In 2016, she competed on The Voice season 11, finishing in 3rd place.
The American Idol 2023 3 hour finale airs coast to coast on ABC Sunday May 21 8 pm ET/5 pm PT
