Carnie Wilson defends her daughter Lola after harsh online criticism following Lola’s American Idol audition, where she impressed the judges and advanced to Hollywood Week, despite the scrutiny due to her famous family background.

Carnie Wilson is speaking out against the cruel online comments directed at her daughter, Lola Bonfiglio, after the teenager’s audition on American Idol.

The Wilson Phillips singer, who joined her daughter and husband Rob Bonfiglio at the 90s Con panel in Hartford, Connecticut, over the weekend, shared her frustration with how the internet can be merciless, especially when it comes to public figures and their families.

Lola, who is following in her mother’s musical footsteps, brought a refreshing dose of family talent to American Idol during the March 23 episode.

She performed a rendition of the Wilson Phillips hit “Hold On,” with the support of her family onstage, and received praise from all three judges—Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan—who each gave her a “yes,” sending her through to Hollywood Week.

Despite the success on television, Lola faced backlash online, with many social media users criticizing her and the decision for her to be on the show, due to her famous family background.

Carnie took to the panel to vent her frustration, pointing out the hypocrisy and lack of compassion many commenters displayed. She compared the situation to the idea of discouraging a doctor’s child from following in their father’s footsteps.

“Would you ever say, ‘Don’t be a doctor because your dad’s a doctor’? Lola wants to be a singer, and they say these terrible things, and she was so hurt,” Carnie stated, emphasizing the unnecessary cruelty of the criticism.

The comments came in the wake of Lola’s audition performance, where she took on Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow” as a solo, showcasing her voice and the vulnerability of the song.

Though the judges provided some constructive feedback, they praised her vocal clarity and unanimously passed her through to the next round. However, the feedback wasn’t all positive, and the scrutiny from online trolls only amplified the pressure on Lola.

Both Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan had specific notes, suggesting she could hold the story of the song longer and build up her vocal power more, a challenge she would need to meet to succeed in the competition.

Regardless, the family’s support and Lola’s undeniable talent carried her through, earning her a spot in Hollywood Week, the next stage of the prestigious competition.

Carnie continued her defense, proudly describing how this was the “scariest thing” Lola had ever done, and how she was trembling with nerves before going on stage.

“She did great,” Carnie said with a smile, adding how she was proud of her daughter for pushing through such a daunting challenge. In a heartwarming moment, Carnie revealed that the family’s surprise appearance to support Lola on the show was a fun one.

“I don’t think that Lionel and Carrie Underwood and Luke knew we were gonna be there, so that was fun,” she explained, highlighting the familial bond that underpinned their collective experience.

Lola’s journey on American Idol has only just begun, but the family’s participation is a testament to their shared love for music.

Carnie Wilson, who rose to fame as part of the iconic pop trio Wilson Phillips alongside her sister Wendy and their friend Chynna Phillips, continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Despite her fame, Carnie’s response to the harsh comments directed at her daughter shows that she is not only fiercely protective but also deeply empathetic, understanding the weight that public scrutiny can bring to young artists trying to carve their own path.

The Wilson family’s presence on American Idol is a reminder that celebrity children often face additional challenges in their careers due to the high expectations placed upon them.

For Lola Bonfiglio, navigating the complexities of pursuing a career in music with a famous family name can be as difficult as it is rewarding.

Yet, despite the challenges, her raw talent and the support of her family seem to be propelling her forward as she steps into the competitive world of American Idol.

With the strength of her family behind her, including Carnie’s vocal guidance and support, it’s clear that Lola is determined to make her mark on the music industry in her own unique way.