Katy Perry low-key throws shade at 'American Idol' contestant for changing Coldplay song
For the first time in American Idol history, it was a Coldplay-themed night as the top seven each took the stage adding their own touch to one of the rock band's classics. However, it was former Season 18 runner-up Arthur Gunn's performance that had some viewers not so happy, and even Coldplay's Chris Martin subtly throwing shade.
"Funny enough I always thought the mlody was the best bit and that's the bit you've thrown away," said Martin.
Gunn is known for putting his own spin on his covers. However, after changing the entire melody and some of the words to Coldplay's 2002 lead single "In My Place," it was hardly recognizable. Some viewers didn't like Gunn's rendition and even went so far as to say that it was "disrespectful."
Gunn has also been the center of some controversy among viewers in recent weeks, after being voted into this Season 19 during the show's first-ever "Comeback" twist. Following his performance, judge Katy Perry also low-key expressed that it wasn't her favorite rendition, when she told Gunn, "One thing to know about artists, we're very stubborn. I think Chris was saying it kindly – like, the best part of that song is the melody. But of course, you are Arthur Gunn, and you do it your way. … But sometimes it is about playing along just a little bit. Because I did want to sing along with you, Arthur, but I didn't know that melody."
Ultimately, Gunn was eliminated from the competition, as well as Hunter Metts, when the top five were announced at the end of the night.
Video Transcript
ARTHUR GUNN: (SINGING) Oh, how long must you wait for it? Yeah. How long must you pay for it?
KYLIE MAR: For the first time in "American Idol" history, Coldplay opened up their catalog to the contestants. And on Sunday night, the top seven each took the stage adding their own touch to one of the rock band's classics. But it was former season 18 runner up Arthur Gunn's performance that has some viewers not so happy and even Coldplay's as Chris Martin subtly throwing shade.
ARTHUR GUNN: (SINGING) I was lost, oh, yeah.
CHRIS MARTIN: Funnily enough, I always thought the that melody was the best bit.
ARTHUR GUNN: Oh.
CHRIS MARTIN: And that's the bit you're throwing away. So all right, let's go. Let's go rogue.
KYLIE MAR: Arthur is known for really putting his own spin on his covers. But after changing the chords and the entire melody of Coldplay's 2002 lead single "In My Place," it was hardly recognizable. And some viewers even went so far as to say that it was disrespectful.
ARTHUR GUNN: (SINGING) Yeah, how long must you wait for it? One more time. Yeah, how long must you pay for it?
KYLIE MAR: Arthur has also been the center of some controversy among viewers in recent weeks after being voted into this season during the show's first-ever comeback twist. And following his performance judge, Katy Perry also low-key expressed that it wasn't her favorite rendition.
KATY PERRY: You know, I think Chris was saying it kindly, like the best part of that song is the melody. But of course, you are Arthur Gunn, and you do you. You take a song, and you make it yours. Sometimes it is about playing along just a little bit. Because I did want to sing along with you, Arthur. And I didn't know that melody.
ARTHUR GUNN: That's so nice to know. Thank you so much.
KATY PERRY: Yeah.
KYLIE MAR: And ultimately, Arthur was eliminated from the competition when the top five were announced at the end of the night.
- Caleb, you are in, which means we have to say goodbye to Arthur and Hunter tonight, two amazing talent, super good guys. Big smiles, we're going to miss you guys. All right?
