American Idol: Taylor Fagins’ Original Song Receives Mixed Fan Response

Contestant Taylor Fagins is getting mixed reviews from the judges and fans after performing his original song, “We Need More” on theAmerican Idolseason 20 premiere. For two hours, viewers watched as celebrity judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie critiqued the talents of aspiring artists. Some, including Grace Franklin, granddaughter of the legendary Aretha Franklin, didn’t receive the coveted golden ticket to Hollywood because they weren’t quite ready. Others, such as songwriter Taylor, advanced to the next round with flying colors. However, the track penned by Taylor has American Idol fans divided.

Taylor was the last individual featured on the American Idol season 20 premiere episode. Upon entering the audition room, he shared with the judges his passion for writing songs and plays. When asked by Katy if he’s made any money from his craft, Taylor explained how he ultimately writes for himself. He then sat down at the piano and sang his original song “We Need More.” The judges, who sometimes chime in during a performance, were silent as Taylor sang the lyrics, “Little black boys don’t run outside or play with water guns at night. They run away from red and white blue lights,” and, “Little black girls don’t close their eyes or walk their streets alone at night. They turn their cameras on when they see white.” This song, written by Taylor in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, earned him a golden ticket to Hollywood.

On the heels of Taylor’s performance, viewers took to social media to share their reactions, which were varied. In response to a post of Taylor on the official American Idol Instagram, which was captioned, “What a moment! We’re still reeling from the power of @taylorfagins’ original song, ‘We Need More,'” many described the track as “beautiful,” “riveting” and “powerful,” and compared Taylor to John Legend and season 19 finalist Willie Spence. One fan commented, “Who else was dying to hug him as soon as he finished his song? Anyone? His song was amazing.”

But not everyone enjoyed “We Need More.” A number of viewers were angered that it felt like it was anti-police song. One addressed season 19’s Caleb Kennedy, who was dismissed from the show after a video emerged of him wearing what appeared to be a Klu Klux Klan hood and added that he felt a song about police brutality and violence against Black people was equally racist. While many of the criticisms were anti-Black and pro-police, some viewers had nothing against the song, they just didn’t care for Taylor’s artistry. “His song consisted of 3 notes,” commented a viewer. “Musically a train wreck.”

Regardless of where one stands on the topic of Taylor’s song, it’s safe to say that he and the rest of the contestants will have their work cut out for them during the intense Hollywood week. In just the first episode, an impressive crop of fresh artists were given the green light to advance in the competition, including TikTok sensation Delaney Renee Wilson, Tyler N. Allen, who dedicated his rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Believe In You and Me” to his late nephew, and Huntergirl, who was awarded the brand new platinum ticket, which means she gets to bypass the first round in Hollywood.

American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Source: American Idol/Instagram

About The Author

Samantha Bambino
(252 Articles Published)

Samantha Bambino is a Reality TV News Writer at Screen Rant. For the past three years, she has covered music, politics, business and more in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She also freelanced for the online NKD Magazine, interviewing musicians, actors and social media personalities.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Samantha enjoys reading Stephen King novels, listening to Green Day and binge watching Friends.

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