American Idol fans accused Jennifer Lopez of lip-syncing her performance of I Luh Ya Papi on Wednesday night’s episode.

The 44-year-old pop diva definitely sang live during the a cappella opening on a fake Bronx staircase alongside former Idols Pia Toscano, Jessica Sanchez, and Allison Iraheta.

However, once the American Idol judge began dancing behind a mic stand a backing track bellowed and her lips did not match the lyrics.

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Lip-syncing on a live singing competition? American Idol fans accused Jennifer Lopez of lip-syncing her performance of I Luh Ya Papi on Wednesday night’s episode

Jennifer Lopez performs ‘I Luh Ya Papi’ on American IdolLoaded: 0%Progress: 0%0:00PreviousPlaySkipMuteCurrent Time0:00/Duration Time0:57FullscreenNeed Text

Travel Channel host Andrew Zimmern tweeted: ‘Did @jlo just lip sync? I am on DVR here. Is this already a “thing” with #idol fans? This is a singing show right?’

‘@JLo what happened to music? People getting ecstatic over a lip sync performance, not even written by the artist…Terrible,’ a fan called Nicholas Munk echoed.

Rocking a top bun and sparkly Daisy Dukes, Jennifer was not even doing super strenuous dance moves through the number.

I’m Real: The 44-year-old pop diva definitely sang live during the a cappella opening on a fake Bronx staircase alongside former Idols Pia Toscano, Jessica Sanchez, and Allison Iraheta

Going through the motions: However, once the American Idol judge began dancing behind a mic stand a backing track bellowed and her lips did not match the lyrics

I Luh Ya PaPi: Even rapper French Montana appeared to be lip syncing his verse during the popular singing competition

Even rapper French Montana appeared to be lip syncing his verse during the popular singing competition.

A fan called Ice Diddy wrote: ‘Yo, JLo. You’re a judge on American Idol a LIVE singing competition. Try not to lip sync the next time you perform live. K. Thanks. Bye.’

Fan Malcolm Star even made a RuPaul’s Drag Race joke, writing: ‘YAAAAS Jenner Lopez! Lip sync FOR YOUR LIFE B***H!!! #Idol.’

Fan Becky Bice tweeted: ‘How embarrassing for #jlo that was a terrible lip sync performance. #Americanidol #youretoooldforthatcrap.’

Last year, Lopez admitted that ‘all performers’ lip-sync ‘at some point’ while appearing on The Daily Show.

‘You know, sometimes it happens,’ the I’m Real hitmaker told host Jon Stewart, defending Beyoncé’s Inauguration scandal.

‘When you’re in certain stadiums and in certain venues, they do pre-record things.’

The two-time Grammy nominee later revealed that she had her choreographer and toyboy Casper Smart, 32, in mind during her song.

‘I think everyone knows who my Papi is,’ the thrice-divorced star told host Ryan Seacrest.

‘You know, sometimes it happens’: Last year, Lopez admitted that ‘all performers’ lip-sync ‘at some point’ while appearing on The Daily Show

Famous derriere: Rocking a top bun and sparkly Daisy Dukes, Jennifer was not even doing super strenuous dance moves through the number

‘It sounds so sexy when you say Papi,’ said her fellow judge Harry Connick Jr. who had been bobbing along in the wings with country singer Keith Urban.

San Francisco gal MK Nobilette was sent on the same episode of the Fox competition.

The likeable 20-year-old, the first openly gay Idol contestant ever, was left to ‘sing for her life’ with the John Legend track All Of Me.

‘I think everyone knows who my Papi is’: The two-time Grammy nominee later revealed that she had her choreographer and toyboy Casper Smart, 32, in mind during her song

Holding hands: Jennifer reached out and touched fans

The judges had the option to save her with a unanimous ‘wild card’ but they chose to let her go.

After the public vote MK had been left in the bottom three with farm boy Dexter Roberts, 22, and North Carolina cutie Majesty Rose.

First to be saved was rock chick Jessica Meuse who sang Foster the People to mixed reviews from the judges on Wednesday.

Shoulder rub: Ryan gave MK a quick rub on the shoulders as she was sent home

Sent home: MK Nobilette got the least amount of votes and was sent home after failing to convince all the judges to save her

Bottom three: American Idol host stood next to the bottom three contestants MK, Majesty Rose and Dexter Roberts

Malaya Watson was also spared, following her performance of When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars.

Connick had a less cheerful memory: ‘The song was bad and everyone booed,’ he recalled.

‘It was a terrible day,’ he laughed.

‘I sounded like I was going to be sick the first time I spoke on radio,’ said Ryan Seacrest.

Moving on: Jessica Meuse advanced after J-Lo jumped to her defense on Wednesday for taking on the complex Foster The People song Pumped Up Kicks

Bad memory: Harry Connick Jr recalled the first time he heard himself on the radio and the harsh criticism that followed

Fond memory: Keith Urban heard himself on the radio for the first time in the ‘tiny town’ of Tamworth in Australia

Come a long way: Ryan Seacrest said he sounded sick the first time he heard himself on the radio

 

Musical guests: Ryan chatted with New Orleans band Royal Teeth that Harry recommended

‘I realised that I probably shouldn’t talk like that – if I wanted to get a gig in this business,’ said the veteran TV presenter.

On Connick’s recommendation New Orleans band Royal Teeth played their buoyant dance track Wild.

For oral support Hunter Hayes gave a video message to Alabama BBQ cook C.J. Harris – who sang a Hayes song on Wednesday night.

Crowd pleasing: Royal Teeth got the audience clapping and dancing

Still in it: Jena Irene advanced to the final nine

Strong support: Hunter Hayes made an appearance to encourage C.J. Harris on the show

Despite being ‘out of tune’ last night Harris was saved by the public for next week.

Michigan schoolgirl Jena Irene was also safe after a jubilant rendition of the dance track Clarity by Zedd.

A favourite with the females ‘painfully shy’ Sam Woolf also made it to the next level.

The top nine will continue the battle on the 13th season of American Idol airing Wednesday and Thursday nights on Fox.

Last nine: The top nine will continue the battle on the 13th season of American Idol airing Wednesday and Thursday nights on Fox