Wé Ani American Idol Loss Shook The Internet As She Explained Why Fans Want ‘Their People’ To Win

Try to find a more flattering compliment than that. Sure, some might argue it’s a little bit too soon for anyone to call the black N.J singer Jennifer Hudson 2.0, but there’s a reason fans are crazy for her performance (and also the allegedly unfair result).

(For those who seem to live under a rock, here’s some brief info about Wé Ani:)

• Real name: Wé Ani
• Nickname/Alias: Wé
• D.O.B: 23rd January 2000
• Age: 23 (as of August 2023)
• Zodiac sign: Aquarius
• Career: Singer, Music performer, Song writer
• Religion: Christianity
• Nationality: American
• Hometown: Paterson, New Jersey, United States
• P.O.B: Harlem, NYC, United States
• Height in inch: 5’6”
• Weight: 135.1 lbs
• Education: William Paterson University
• Siblings: 5 (4 sisters and 1 brother)
• Relationship status: Unknown
• Famous for: Being American Idol’s contestant

American Idol Season 21 brought out many undisputed talents with amazing songs. Among those, New Jersey-born Wé Ani seemed to be one of the most prominent faces. 

And fans have all the reasons in the world to believe she could make it to the contest’s crown. From a confident ‘This Is Me’ to the majestic covering of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing’, and even with ‘Into the Unknown’, Wé left us in awe with her powerful voice and undeniable enthusiasm for the songs.

Little did we know, Disney Night’s ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus was the last time we see her on American Idol’s stage as a contestant, as she was shockingly eliminated right before the Top 3 Finale. The show continued with Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough before Tongi was crowned the final victory.

The result left Wé Ani FUMING as they couldn’t believe the fire she brought to the competition was extinguished by what many called a “rigged” show.

Explaining the situation, the 23-year-old singer said it’s understandable that people from middle America want to vote for other competitors since they come from the same region. "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 explained. "That's completely understandable. I completely get it."

Her comment seems to align with what some of her fans wrote on Twitter in the heat of Wé’s elimination. @words_frm_pele tweeted Wé was the best performer while Colin should’ve gone home. Unfortunately, the N.J singer was outvoted by his fans, along with Danielle’s and Tongi.

Nevertheless, voters had made their choice and whether Wé’s claims are truthful or not, she still has to accept the result.

Fans’ rooting for the Paterson singer was reasonable, after all. Before leaving the show, she mesmerized the audience and our judges with her signature power in 2 incredible Disney songs. 

Her performance speaks volumes of her talent as judge Lionel called her a "star," while Katy applauded her vocal abilities. And the biggest appreciation for her talent? It was when Wé Ani reappeared in the finale to be another spectacular version of herself, not being a formal contestant.

Before that, We Ani wowed 'American Idol' judges with stellar vocals. Her audition with Demi Lavoto's 'Anyone' amazed all 3 judges with her incredible vocal range. Lionel even called it ‘ridiculous’ (read: outstanding). As soon as she started singing Katy was also floored while Lionel called the performance "amazing". 

While Katy said, "Way to throw a curve ball." Luke agreed with Lionel and claimed, "Yeah Ani you have an amazing voice. I am not going to get into the science. But you are going to Hollywood."

In any case, the 23-year-old’s loss at American Idol will certainly do little to none to her booming career. Look at all the stellar ‘losers’ of the show - Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, or Katharine McPhee, to name a few. Hudson didn’t even make it to the top 5 (she was 7th), and the same could happen for her “2.0 version.”

Fully believing in her daughter, Varleton "Mac" McDonald also claimed she has one secret ingredient for success - amazing flexibility, arguably the best of this year.

Talking about his daughter’s plan pre-finale, "At this time we've been able to strategize the next steps," McDonald said. As fans wonder what the strategies could be, Wé Ani dropped a new single called ‘175 LBS’ as it talks about weight loss, relationships, or personal growth, whatever you might interpret.

Next up, NJPAC gladly announces on August 21st that her new single, “Mr. Montgomery”, will be performed along with other popular songs on Sunday, October 1st at 7 PM in Prudential Hall.

That will be exciting, little doubt.

Wé Ani’s original birthplace was Harlem, New York, but she grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, where her mom is from.

The debate on her hometown comes from the fact that the singer decided to choose Harlem as her official hometown when auditioning for American Idol, but when she gained more popularity, we know that she is also a N.J resident.

The artist never explained the discrepancy, despite its controversial nature. However, it seems to matter less as people care more about her talent than her hometown.

Currently, her mother is living in New Jersey for work. With Wé, there shouldn’t be any doubt that she will become even more successful as a proud N.J resident.

Wé Ani’s American Idol loss was such a surprise for her career. However, with true talents that were recognized by the most prominent artists and fans alike, that small failure might be a blessing in disguise, preparing her for a bright future.