Carnie Wilson, renowned member of the pop trio Wilson Phillips, has recently spoken out against the harsh online criticism directed at her daughter, Lola Bonfiglio, following Lola’s audition on “American Idol.” The 19-year-old aspiring singer showcased her talent on the March 23 episode, delivering a heartfelt performance that resonated with both the judges and the audience.

During her audition, Lola was accompanied by her mother, Carnie, her aunt Wendy Wilson, and her father Rob Bonfiglio on guitar. Together, they performed Wilson Phillips’ 1992 hit “Hold On,” a moment that surprised and delighted judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Following this family ensemble, Lola presented a solo rendition of Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow,” which earned her unanimous approval from the judges and secured her advancement to Hollywood Week.

Despite the positive feedback from the judges, Lola faced a wave of negative comments online. Critics accused her of leveraging her family’s musical legacy to gain an unfair advantage in the competition. Addressing these remarks, Carnie Wilson expressed her frustration during the “Music of the ’90s” panel at 90s Con. She highlighted the cruelty and lack of empathy prevalent on the internet, emphasizing the emotional toll such comments have on her family. Carnie passionately defended her daughter’s courage and talent, stating, “I love you and I’m so proud of you. You were born to sing, that’s just the bottom line.”

Lola’s journey into music is deeply rooted in her family’s rich musical heritage.

As the granddaughter of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and daughter of Carnie Wilson, Lola has been immersed in music from a young age. She has previously performed alongside her family on various platforms, including a 2021 appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where she sang “God Only Knows” with her mother, aunt, and grandfather.

In response to the criticism, Carnie emphasized the importance of kindness and understanding, reminding the public that celebrities and their families are real people with genuine emotions. She urged for more compassion in online interactions.