Carnie Wilson is in full Mama Bear Mode after the internet descended on her daughter Lola. Earlier this month, the 19-year-old — who Wilson shares with singer Rob Bonfiglio along with 15-year-old daughter Luci — auditioned for American Idol.
And she did so in an unforgettable fashion. To start the audition, Lola sang “Hold On” — a song from her mom and Aunt Wendy Wilson’s band Wilson Phillips — alongside her mom, dad, and aunt. She went on to sing Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow” on her own, per Us Weekly. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood then voted to send Lola on to the next round of the competition.
When Wilson had a proud mom moment and shared clips from the audition on Instagram, the trolls descended. While there were some kind messages, plenty of people took issue with the fact that Lola got the chance to audition with her family — a supportive act that most people don’t get — and that she already has a leg up in the industry.
“But when did American Idol turn into so many nepo babies auditioning?” one person asked. Another said, “these kids and their parents already have the necessary music industry connections. Save the auditions for those who don’t and actually have talent.”
During an appearance at 90s Con this weekend, Wilson called the internet “so cruel.” “And the comments are really pissing me off,” she continued, per People.
“Would you encourage a doctor’s son not to be a doctor?” the mom of two continued. “Lola wants to be a singer, and they say these terrible things. And she was so hurt.”
Wilson said she encouraged Lola to audition because “she loves to sing” and said she was so proud of her “bravery.” Because let’s be real, singing in front of a panel of accomplished judges is no easy feat — never mind the fact that the nation can then pick you apart.
Wilson also revealed that it allegedly wasn’t her idea to join the audition. “[American Idol] asked us to sing, so we came and crashed the party,” she said. And it’s certainly feasible that a producer made a call. Talk about a way to draw in viewers!
As the panel continued, Wilson couldn’t stop gushing about her eldest and the pride she felt. “We love singing with her, and she sings with us on tour sometimes,” Wilson said. “She’s a really inspiring artist.”
No matter what the naysayers and cynics might think, Wilson said her daughter sounds “so beautiful.”
“I’m so excited for her future,” she continued. “She has a stunning voice.”
Before you go, click to see celebrities you forgot were nepo babies.
