"American Idol" eliminates first Top 10 contestant

Curtis Finch, Jr. is eliminated on "American Idol," March 14, 2013. / Fox

Bye-bye, Curtis Finch Jr. He was the first Top 10 contestant to be eliminated on season 12 of "American Idol" Thursday night.

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"American Idol" Season 12

Was it his over-singing? His gospel-pop tinged musical palate? Or was it his reported "disdain" for other contestants? It was probably a combination of a few things that brought Finch the fewest number of votes. At one point, Nicki Minaj tried to save the aspiring singer, convincing her cohorts to let him perform "I Believe I Can Fly," his survival song. She told Finch, "If you go home, I go home." The rapper, who showed up late to Wednesday's show, told host Ryan Seacrest she thought they needed another minute to discuss, but her fellow judges weren't having any of it. Essentially America voted -- and Finch doesn't get to stay. Despite threatening to "go home," an unhappy Minaj remained.

And following in the footsteps of "The X Factor," "American Idol" is letting America in on how some of the top contenders ranked. Candice Glover, Kree Harrison and Angie Miller are in the top three -- in no particular order. The rest of the hopefuls are ranked as follows:

4. Lazaro Arbos

5. Amber Holcomb

6. Janelle Arthur

7. Burnell Taylor

8. Paul Jolley

9. Devin Velez

Also on Thursday night, Aubrey Cleland and Charlie Askew competed in a sing-off with hopes of making it on to the "American Idol Live!" summer tour. Fans can vote for their choice here. The evening also featured a performance by "Idol" alum Phillip Phillips, who sang his new single, "Gone, Gone, Gone." Bon Jovi also appeared in a taped segment, performing "Because We Can."

Tell us: Did the right contestant go home?

[lballard12]

I'm still wondering why Janelle is still a contestant! She is a Ambien pill!

[ccinstlouis]

I was glad to see Curtis go because I think Burnell is more talented. Curtis, in my opinion, was over-singing his songs too much.

[nethia1958]

There is something about the contestants who are from the gospel music world that try to gain american idol status, they are never chosen . I have been watching idol sense the fist year I remember Mandesa she has CDs out with out Idol. The young lady that sings with Israel and New Breed she is very good but she was not chosen now Curtis.There is something better in store God may have closed that door but believe that he will give you something far greater than the plans that you have for yourself.He will enlarge your territory and take you form glory to glory

[finnola]

Death of rock 'n roll! It's all like a teacher supervised prom concert. Ryan in a suit FGS!
Jon Bon Jovi would not have made it with his hair and sound!

[jmckinney9307]

THE ONLY REASON Y IM WATCHING THIS SHOW IS BECAUSE OF NICKI MINAJ !!!! IF SHE LEAVES THAT SHOW WOULD BE NOTHING .. I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HER THAT HE IS ONE OF THE BEST SINGERS OUT OF THAT COMPETITION

[Think4times]

I hope the next elimination on American Idol is the show itself.

[tomfquinn]

Ummmm...does anyone really care? The show is in a death spiral and will not make it past another season.

[Umbertoni]

I love niki manage she is the best thing about the show she hysterically funny and dirty mouthed. It's a fantastic act. I love her look. What a body. I would love to see her in porno. as nicki says : "jerk responsibly, guys"

[Umbertoni]

I thought Curtis was the best singing Of the guys BY FAR. Now that he is gone for sure one of the gals will win. I mean the stutterer, the black guy with glasses, the Mexican, the gay guy - they are terrible compared to Curtis.

[andthetruthis]

This is what's become of American youth?

We are seriously dumbing down,at light speed.