Following an incredible "American Idol" audition for season 21, Luke Bryan encouraged a 19-year-old hamburger cook to ditch his apron.
However, viewers seemed exhausted from seeing numerous country artists on stage this season.
Last night's episode featured singers from three of America's biggest music cities - Nashville, Las Vegas, and New Orleans.
All of them were competing for a chance at stardom, with a "golden ticket" to Hollywood being awarded to those that impress and an extra "platinum ticket" being granted to those who truly shine. This platinum pass allows them to go straight through to Hollywood Week without having to compete in round one.
Having grown up in the same community as his fellow contestant Colin Stough, Zachariah Smith stood on the stage of opportunity and hoped to be granted a new life.
Surprisingly, he chose a style of performance that had become a bit too common for those watching.
At 19 years old, Zachariah Smith is about to swap his spatula and apron for a microphone after impressing the judges of "American Idol" season 21 on the premiere show.
During his day job, Zachariah can be found flipping up to 500 burgers as part of Bill's Hamburgers team in Amory, Mississippi.
Zachariah Smith 'American Idol' Audition
As Zachariah began to play a rendition of John Mellencamp's "Hurts So Good," his wife Crysta stood in the hallway, eagerly awaiting the judges' reaction. To her delight, they sang along, moved to the rhythm, and praised him for his masterful performance.
Upon hearing the verdict from the judges, Katy Perry exclaimed in disbelief: "Holy cr*p-oly!"
Luke then offered a plan for Zachariah to follow.
"Um, go back to Amory and get your apron," he said. "Get some lighter fluid... burn the Apron."
At this point, Lionel Richie added that Zachariah should never work at a burger-flipping job again. Katy responded enthusiastically, "You're not flipping no burger," and Lionel said, "ever again!"
As soon as the third "yes" came from Luke Bryan, Zachariah Smith knew that his destiny was about to change. With a firm confirmation of the Golden ticket, he had been given a path to stardom in Hollywood.
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Fans Are Left Disappointed At 'American Idol'
When Zachariah Smith made it further in the show, audiences were astounded and took to Twitter to express their thoughts.
"How is this dude getting through? I bet he wouldn't have gotten such an easy pass with Randy and Simon on the judging panel," one fan wrote.
Another added that they saw bias in how Lucy Love was asked to sing a second number after her rendition of "Hurts So Good," whereas Zachariah had been given an easier ride.
A third chimed in, saying Lucy had been made to work hard, yet Zachariah's performance wasn't treated as harshly as it should have been.
A fourth person quipped, "Country .... YOURE GOING TO HOLLYWOOD. What a joke American Idol is."
Finally, another fan simply stated: "He's a no."
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