During the American Idol finals, the trio of remaining singers typically perform three songs before the viewers get the chance to vote for a winner. One of the songs performed is always a winner's single. This is a tune that is written for the finalists. If they go on to win the competition, it's released as their first single. In a surprising turn of events, American Idol season 13 winner Caleb Johnson revealed why he believes his winner's single is horrible.
After being crowned the winner during American Idol Season 13 on May 21, 2014, Caleb's single, "As Long As You Love Me," was released. However, American Idol viewers didn't know until now that he couldn't stand singing the song. He went as far as to criticize the single, as he feels that it's cheesy, and worse than mediocre.
According to CNN, Caleb actually argued with the American Idol producers, as he wanted them to change the tune. He was uncomfortable because he knew that he would have to sing the song on the final AI episode and record it. He stated, "If you won, you had to sing the song, and the song was just utter crap, like, it was just the worst song ever." Despite trying his hardest not to, Caleb ended up recording the song as his winner's single, but stated that it sounded almost the same as a 2012 song that someone from the South African version of the series had released.
Usually, the winner's single proves to be a major success for the Idol winners. However, Caleb's single did not gain as much success as other singles, such as Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This" Or Phillip Phillips' "Home." Despite this, the AI alum Caleb later released music after his time on the show. His most recent album, Mountain Mojo Vol. 1, was released on June 18, 2021. He has not released any records since then, but something could potentially be in the works for the rock singer, as he hasn't announced a hiatus or retirement from music.
Despite going on the win the competition, it seems like Caleb has regrets about his winner's single. It just didn't seem like his vibe, and with a different song, he felt like he could have shown more. Nonetheless, he did not let that one hiccup from the show stop him from achieving his dream. Auditions for the next American Idol season are now open, and if viewers want their chance to shine and make it in the music industry, they should audition for the show. Whether vocalists do it for the experience or to pursue their dreams, they will never know what might happen if they don't go for it.
Source: CNN