American Idol's Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken apparently isn't impressed with ABC's revival of the reality singing competition.

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Clay threw some shade at the latest American Idol eliminee, Catie Turner, on Monday morning after she forgot the lyrics to the first verse of "Manic Monday" by The Bangles during Sunday night's performance show.

Clay expressed disapproval over how new Idol judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan basically gave Catie a pep talk instead of dishing out criticism following her blunder onstage.

"So when I was on @AmericanIdol I slightly flubbed some lyrics," the singer tweeted. "Nowhere near this noticeable.. and even Paula gave me hell."

When Clay competed on American Idol back in 2003, the judging panel was comprised of Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and the blunt -- and sometimes harsh -- Simon Cowell.

"This girl gets a therapy session?!" Clay continued in his post on Twitter about Catie's segment on the show. "Really? Seriously??! What happened to the show we loved? #MakeIdolGreatAgain."

Clay attached a video clip to his post of Catie starting to sing "Manic Monday" but then going blank on the words. She did, however, manage to pick the song back up and finish it with a smile.

"Remember back 2002-2003 when @AmericanIdol was a high stakes singing competition & we were all waiting and nervously anticipating what @SimonCowell had to say? Why's it now totally without critique and essentially just a Vacation Bible School talent show? #MakeIdolGreatAgain," Clay added on social media.

Instead of reprimanding Catie for her mistake, Katy, Lionel and Luke complimented the contestant on her recovery. They also insisted most great singers and musicians in the industry have forgotten their lyrics at times.

When Catie shyly noted, "It's not my night," Katy even fired back and told her to remain confident and positive.

"It is your night," Katy assured the quirky artist.

However, Catie and fellow American Idol hopeful Jurnee Weathers were eliminated at the end of Sunday night's broadcast based on the real-time, home-viewer voting results across the country. Now, only the Top 5 singers remain in the competition.

Clay finished American Idol's second season -- which aired on Fox -- in second place behind winner Ruben Studdard. He went on to release albums, act in films, compete on The Celebrity Apprentice, and get involved in politics.

Regardless of whether Clay likes what American Idol has become, the show will return to ABC with a new season next year as well as the same judging panel and Ryan Seacrest as host.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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