Warning! The following contains spoilers for the final Hollywood round of Season 18 of American Idol. Read at your own risk!
American Idol broke up its final power couple of Season 18 tonight when Jonny West was advanced to Hawaii. That means returning Season 17 competitor Margie Mays was sent home in a run that fell short of her performance in her first season on the series. Both competitors were devastated Mays wasn't advancing, but what may surprise some is that Mays was still thrilled to see West continue his journey.
There had been online chatter regarding Margie Mays and Jonny West's relationship since the start of American Idol, perhaps aided by the edit of the episodes. Judge Katy Perry on more than one occasion alluded to the idea that one was holding the other back from succeeding, and others on the internet wondered the same thing in comment sections and on social media. In an attempt to clear the air about her relationship, Mays posted a response on Instagram to the way the show has portrayed her and West's relationship.
Can I take a moment to make something a bit clearer? Jonny and I are not, and will never be, in competition with one another. We are honestly, truthfully, no-ifs-ands-or-buts-about it in love. Moments like these, I don’t prioritize what you see in a television edit, or what you don’t see. Our love never wavers. When one of us is down, we pull the other up. You never leave your partner behind. I’ve been falling in love with this amazing person for the last three and a half years. We know when to bring support and when to give space, and we have worked hard to be successful and loving communicators. Our love flows easily and readily, and it’s the most beautiful journey a person can experience on this earth. A post-production tv edit sometimes doesn’t show ALL the feedback you’re given. In fact, the judges were warm and kind to us and of course understood why we would sing a duet together, and actually had a lot sweet things to say about us. I’m so proud of both of us for this. It’s an honor to sing with Jonny and still gives me butterflies, because I think the world of his talent. What matters more than this performance is that we were brought closer together by the experience. It’s an honor to be your girlfriend. Thank you @americanidol for giving us this incredible gift of singing together
The statement that was written following American Idol's duet rounds, but certainly warrants exposure as the show has officially dropped Margie Mays from the competition. Mays assured fans she's always been in Jonny West's corner, even if the edits of her interviews make it sound like both are ready to drop it all at a moment's notice all in the name of a shot at superstardom.
Clearly the way American Idol portrayed Margie Mays had an impact on her, as Jonny West also felt the need to mention some of the things the episode didn't show. West made sure to give his girlfriend plenty of love on Instagram, and told viewers just what a joy it is to be included in her life.
While it was inevitable these love birds would be split up, it's good to see that Margie Mays and Jonny West are more than the couple American Idol presented them to be. It's even better they recognize the vast amount of content edited for reality television, often to find the most engaging angle as opposed to the one closest to the truth. Hopefully the two will continue to update fans on their relationship while American Idol Season 18 is on hold.
American Idol is off to Hawaii, and will pick up with a new episode on ABC Sunday, March 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend in the meantime for all the latest on the competition, and for more happening in the world of television and movies.
