"American Idol": One man left standing
"American Idol" sent another male contender packing on Thursday night when America voted off Burnell Taylor.
The 19-year-old singer had quite a journey during his stint on the show, shedding 40 pounds between his audition and the semifinal rounds. But when the results were announced Thursday, he just didn't garner enough votes to stick around. Judge Nicki Minaj said, "We have the best of the best, so when you go home now, this is not a failure by any stretch of the imagination. This is a win -- win, win, win."
In an effort to stay on the show, Taylor gave it one more shot, performing India.Arie's "Ready for Love." But the judges didn't use their "save" for him. Judge Randy Jackson told the New Orleans native, "Sorry, Burnell. Good luck, good luck. We love you."
Next week will be the last opportunity for "Idol" judges to use their once-per-season save.
Taylor's departure means leaves Lazaro Arbos as the only man left on season 12. He landed in top 3 this week, alongside Kree Harrison and Angie Miller. They're joined by fellow finalists Candice Glover, Amber Holcomb and Janelle Arthur.
Wednesday also saw the return of season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, who performed her new single, "See You Again." "Of course I have such love for this show," she said. "I'm gonna cry."
"American Idol" returns on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
Tell us: Were you surprised to see Taylor go?
