American Idol celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special episode last night highlighting duets from past contestants. While fans were elated to see some of their past favorites perform, they were upset when a pre-recorded performance featuring Laine Hardy still aired despite his recent arrest.
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News broke of Hardy’s arrest just days before the special was scheduled to air and it seems absolutely no changes were made to the program following the arrest. Laine, who won season 17, was featured alongside fellow contestant, Laci Kaye Booth, singing “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty.
As if seeing Laine on stage in all the glitz and glam after his mugshot filled social media just days before wasn’t a strange enough dynamic for viewers, the judges comments just added to the off-putting vibe.
"I was slayed when you came on the stage, Laine," judge Katy Perry gushed. "I was like, 'Who is this guy? Was he in 'A Star Is Born'? I don't know any other television show that creates superstars like this one, and you guys are legit it.”
Hardy was arrested by Louisiana State University Police after allegedly spying on his ex-girlfriend in her dorm room with a recording device. Laine was upfront about the situation with his fans posting the following statement:
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