Clay Aiken: Root Canals Are More Entertaining Than the 'American Idol' Judges

The one-time contestant slammed the new line-up during the premiere on Wednesday night.

To say Clay Aiken didn't like the season premiere of the final season of American Idol would be an understatement.

Read: Clay Aiken on 'American Idol' Ending: 'It Was About The Kid Next Door Making it Big'

He went on a Twitter rampage:

Well... now I know why the ratings are down. ?

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016

Oh good Lord... those boring ass responses from the judges!? Where is Simon when you need him!? That guy need a hook to pull him off stage.

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016

It's VERY clear now that @SimonCowell was the reason @AmericanIdol was a hit. I've watched root canals more entertaining than these judges.

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016

Fans of the show immediately went on the attack:

“He seems to have abandoned any sense of gratitude for the entertainment machine that plucked him out of obscurity and made him a household name," one person wrote.

“Considering this 'boring' show is what put Clay Aiken on the map...sounds like bitter pill to me,” wrote another.

Read: Sharon Osbourne Kicks Stage Invader at People's Choice Awards

Aiken defended his comments, tweeting:

We're all more critical of the things we care about most.

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016

When you really love something you only want the best for it, and you have high expectations from those you know are capable of it.

— Clay Aiken (@clayaiken) January 7, 2016

But season one winner Kelly Clarkson praised the show that made her a star, tweeting:

Watching @AmericanIdol & totally crying like a pregnant girl every time some1 makes it ha! Last season, so crazy! Thanks 4 my start Idol :)

— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) January 7, 2016

Carrie Underwood, who catapulted to stardom on Idol, also weighed in.

She tweeted:

Been walking down memory lane a lot lately...hard to believe it's @AmericanIdol 's last season! Thank you for making my dreams come true!

— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) January 6, 2016

Watch Below: Former American Idol Contestant Has Surprising Profession