“The Voice Kids Australia” has been slammed for featuring a crying child on air. Romy was only 12 when she auditioned for the talent show, but unfortunately, none of the judges – Delta Goodrem, Mel B and the double coach team of Joel and Benji Madden – turned their chairs around for her.

The audiences clapped and cheered when Romy belted out the high notes in Adele’s “Turning Tables,” while the coaches were seen deliberating if they should press their button, but ultimately, Romy was left without a team to go to.

It was a painful scene to watch. Romy broke down and cried during her unsuccessful audition, but the judges just didn’t think she was good enough to join their team.

If watching an adult fail on national TV is devastating, watching a child’s dreams get crushed is heartbreaking.

Some viewers of the show were critical of the Channel Nine’s decision to air Romy’s heartache, saying it was heartless and totally unnecessary.

“Today Show” host Karl Stefanovic blasted the show, saying Romy’s rejection was “uncomfortable” to watch.

“I just wonder if it should have been shown in the first place, from my perspective with kids watching it last night, I found it incredibly uncomfortable and I just don’t know if my kids needed to see it, that level of rejection,” he said on the show.

He added that airing that particular rejection scene “could potentially do more damage than anything else to that child. Ther’s a need for more protection in that situation.”

Child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg also thought that there was no need to show Romy’s distress in the show.

“What’s the point?” he said to news.com.au. “I’m actually really cross with Channel Nine. Maybe ratings are more important to them than the psychological wellbeing of this contestant, but the whole thing could have been avoided.”

“I think at 15, you have the social and emotional competency to deal with these situations and while age doesn’t define maturity, what would help would be a rigorous psychological screening process like they do on MasterChef. I know Shine’s policy is they have a psychologist on call if the family or kids need them, but the problem is kids won’t put their hands up for help.”

Carr-Gregg praised the coaches for reaching out to Romy, though.

“Before I turned, I thought I want to hear this voice next year,” Joel told the distraught Romy after her audition. “I’d love to hear a year of practice, a year of experience and falling down and getting back up again.”

The viewers took their opinions to social media as well.

Oh look, finally people realise #TheVoiceKidsAu is a really stupid idea. I'm a tough mum but I'd never subject my kids to such judgement.

— Camilla Baker (@CamillaBaker1) July 7, 2014

The lessons Romy has learnt as a result of not going through, out weigh those had she had the judges turn. #TheVoiceKidsAu She is a star ⭐️! — Laura (@laurajteacheroz) July 7, 2014

Strongly opposed2 #TheVoiceKidsAU ..keep an age criteria! Growing pains are challenge enough without public rejection. Just no! #wellbeing

— TheRealCarlaBonner (@carlabonner3) July 6, 2014

The real issue for contestants on #TheVoiceKidsAu was never going to be trolling on social media but emotional manipulation by producers. — Michael Byrnes (@MichaelByrnes) July 6, 2014

Romy, who is now 13, admitted that it was “really hard” when the coaches didn’t turn around for her.

Her parents, Liza and Richard, said that their daughter was “very disappointed” at that time of the audition, but she consoled herself with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream two hours after the incident.

“She has not in any way had her enthusiasm dampened; if anything, she’s more determined and just a little wiser,” they told the Daily Mail Australia.

Romy has since bought herself a guitar and taken up lessons. She is determined to try out again next year.

Channel Nine, meanwhile, defended its decision to air Romy’s distress.

“The decision to put this blind audition to air was made after consultation with Romy and her parents who are very proud that she reached the Top 100 young singers in Australia – an impressive achievement in itself,” a spokesperson said.

“As with all artists that appear on the show, the lines of communication remain open prior, during and after broadcast and we are in constant contact with the families.

“Despite her initial disappointment, Romy has taken only positives from her experience on The Voice Kids and remains dedicated to develop her voice ready for the next opportunity, whatever that may be.”