Shocking Elimination On AMERICAN IDOL

AMERICAN IDOL: Ryan Seacrest is about to reveal the first person to advance to the final three on the Thursday, May 12 episode of AMERICAN IDOL. Pictured L-R: Haley Reinhart, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin and Ryan Seacrest.

Tools

By AccessHollwyood.com

Story Created: May 12, 2011 at 11:51 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 3, 2011 at 12:47 AM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- “American Idol” had its most shocking elimination of the season on Thursday night.

James Durbin, the contender Randy Jackson picked to win was let go from the competition.

The move left the rocker in tears.

“Man, I worked so damn hard to get here and, God, I was really hoping to get there,” James said after learning the news. “But, I had a feeling today.”

Despite his elimination, James said he was proud of himself for accomplishing his goal on the pop competition.

“I did so much stuff that’s never been done on this show before,” James said. “In my eyes and my mind and what I believe, I did what I came here to do, which was give metal a chance.”

“You have incredible courage,” show host Ryan Seacrest said.

James’ elimination left the judges floored and Jennifer Lopez shaken up and with tears streaming down her face.

James gave a final performance of the Paul McCartney/Wings song, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” which saw him saunter into the audience and kiss his ladylove.

While James was cut from the show, Scotty McCreery, who was also in the bottom two, was saved to continue on.

The final three: Scotty, Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart will compete on Wednesday when “Idol” returns at 8 PM on FOX. 

Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Weather

Icon
44.0 °
Fair
Pressure : 1022.7 mb
Humidity : 83 %
Wind : Calm
More Weather

/ tonight Full Schedule