Top 10 Times Contestants Clapped Back at Reality Show Judges

When auditioning for "The X Factor," it's always best to be yourself. In fact, on the UK version of the show, Pink tribute act Zoe Alexander was hoping her audition would help her break out of the singer's shadow. So, choosing to sing "So What" probably wasn't the best call. Luckily, the judges gave her a second chance, but it just sounded like Pink trying to be an Emeli Sandé tribute performer. Ultimately, they told her she had to find her own voice and voted no. This enraged the singer, who blamed the panel for her song choice. We don't know what happened off-camera, but we didn't hear anyone tell her what to sing. Needless to say, she didn't take the rejection well.

By now, it should be common knowledge that it’s never appropriate to tell a woman to smile more. Despite this, on the 24th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” the judges continually told Olympic medalist Simone Biles that they’d like to see more real emotion while she danced. After her trio Paso Doble, host Tom Bergeron decided to pause the judging to ask Biles why she hadn’t smiled at their compliments. The highly decorated gymnast then made it clear what she thought of the judges’ obsession with her emotions. Her sarcastic response, which was aptly paired with a smile, pointed out that it’s skill, not facial expressions, that made her a champion.

Throughout the seventh season of “Drag Race,” RuPaul didn’t quite feel that contestant Pearl Liaison was giving her all to the competition. A werkroom confrontation over Pearl’s lack of enthusiasm led to an uncomfortably long staring contest between the two. In a bid to break the tension, Pearl then quipped this now iconic line, suggesting a reason for the awkward stare. This resulted in RuPaul, who seemed annoyed by Pearl’s attitude and face, turning and quietly exiting the room. The drag queen has since gone on to blame the host’s negative criticism for her flazéda attitude, and recounted her confusion at RuPaul’s intense scrutiny, in a later interview.

Not every contestant on “The X Factor” has that special something that could propel them into the next round. Despite a poor showing, Season 2’s Shawn Armenta was convinced that his hard work and months of preparation was enough to take him all the way. After a dismal performance of his original song “Candy Girl,” Armenta simply refused to listen to the judges’ critiques. When Demi Lovato tried to let him down easy, Armenta snapped back with a retort that shocked the audience and nearly choked Simon Cowell. This quick rejoinder certainly didn’t get him into the next round but, at least, it earned him his fifteen minutes of internet fame.

Right from the moment she appeared onscreen, Debbie Stevens had an air of confidence that was unmistakable. In her initial conversation with the judges, she listed all of the elements that made her the ultimate star. However, by the time she was done performing, the judges certainly weren’t on the same page as her. In response, Stevens clapped back in the way only a supremely self-assured person would. Her tirade began with her many years of experience and ended with a strong opinion of the judges’ talents and qualifications, particularly those of Louis Walsh. When Walsh said she’d never be a star, Stevens once again wasted no time in declaring that she already was one.

Not all clapbacks are inspired by anger. On the fifth season of “So You Think You Can Dance,” Chris Carrozza seemed to be motivated by a desire to escape. The dancer’s energetic moves were inspired by styles from all over the world, but when the judges tried giving critiques, every statement was met with an immediate cheerful retort. Carrozza’s belief that it was totally fine and OK that they didn’t like his audition had very little aggression; just acceptance and an obvious desire to leave the stage. Once judge Nigel Lythgoe voiced out that he was being rude, Carrozza quickly turned the tables on him, but also tacked on that it was a-okay!

Mason Noise was headed for a seat in the boys’ group after an excellent performance on the twelfth season of “The X Factor.” Unfortunately, he decided to take a moment and bring attention to the shorter audition slot he’d been given earlier that season. When judge Simon Cowell called him out for his arrogant behavior, Mason retorted that he was only there for the sake of entertainment. After refusing to apologize, Noise was told to leave the show. It looked at first like his refusal to take back his statements would mean an end to his “X Factor” dreams. However, when another contestant dropped out, Noise found himself back in the competition.

Although the girl group, Angel, had a lot of fun energy, their singing wasn’t strong enough for “The X Factor.” Judge Tulisa had to give the first critique and it was very straightforward. While all three ladies seemed taken aback that the judge felt they lacked any vocal talent, it was Vanessa Threadgold who was quick to throw the insult back at the judge. Her implication that Tulisa was also a bad singer shocked not only the panel, but the other Angel singers too. Although Threadgold was all smiles in the backstage interview, she did come to regret her sassy remark. In a later interview, she confessed that she couldn’t leave her house without someone shouting, “That’s rich!”

There was plenty of conflict between contestants Eureka and The Vixen on the tenth season of “Drag Race.” However, it was RuPaul that inspired one of the most unforgettable clapbacks. During the reunion episode, the host and judge wanted to explore the conflict between the two queens. After both of them explained things from their individual perspectives, the other queens, and RuPaul, jumped in with their opinions on how The Vixen should have dealt with Eureka’s aggression. Pushed to the edge, The Vixen pointed out that instead of focusing on her reactions, Eureka’s actions should be scrutinized. When RuPaul retorted that she always had the choice to not say anything, The Vixen chose to walk off the set.

For “The Ultimate Upcycle” episode, the competing designers were challenged to create a Paris look for supermodel and judge Karlie Kloss, from Goodwill-donated clothing. However, contestant Tyler Neasloney’s black and white dress didn’t go over well with the panel. In fact, judge Brandon Maxwell stated that he couldn’t see the stylish model wearing it anywhere. Neasloney immediately questioned the remark by suggesting Kloss could wear it to dinner with the Kushners. Since this implied it would be appropriate for a gathering that might include the model's in-laws, the Trumps, it was a daring jab that left pretty much everyone stunned. Whether it was because of the dress or the shady comment is unknown, but that was Neasloney’s final runway on the show.