While American Idol welcomed back Carrie Underwood with open arms, the former winner felt right at home as a judge. Sitting beside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, the three watched numerous auditions, hoping to find that perfect voice to become the next American Idol. And among those who auditioned was Presley Cash.

Known for appearing in a few music videos alongside Taylor Swift, the singer didn’t make it past her audition. But according to Cash, she was rejected not because of her voice but due to her connection with Swift.

Over the years, countless singers auditioned for a chance to appear on American Idol. And time and time again, many of those singers were sent home before making it past the first round. While knowing how the competition worked, Cash criticized Underwood for turning her away thanks to her work with Swift

Looking back over her career, Cash appeared in two music videos for Swift’s “Mean” and “I Can See You.” Knowing her connection with the hit singer, apparently, producers pushed for Cash to appear on the show.

Sharing her experience on TikTok, the singer wrote, “Little did I know I was about to go in front of the American Idol judges after six months of grooming from producers saying how amazing of a singer/songwriter I was and [they] loved my work with Taylor. Just to have Carrie Underwood say I can’t sing and I can’t hang in Hollywood.”

Not Every ‘American Idol’ Fan Agrees With Presley Cash

Although not wanting to push back during the audition, Cash had more than enough time to think about what happened. And given her years of experience, she insisted, “After working in Hollywood for 20 years. She knew about my work with Taylor Swift and that I was part of the BIGGEST TOUR in HERstory (the Eras tour). It seems the tea is hotter than we thought ghouls.”

While sharing her opinion, Cash did appear on stage with Swift during The Eras tour to promote “I Can See You” with Taylor Lautner.

As the video gained over 80,000 likes, fans discussed the revelation, writing, “If you’re so talented with so much experience and love from TS, why do you need American Idol?” Another comment included, “You’re failing to mention how you auditioned for the voice 3 times and didn’t make it. It takes more than one “no” to not make it passed the judges on idol, but sure let’s smear Carrie Underwood.

While her time on American Idol was short, don’t miss a new episode, airing Sunday and Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

 (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry)