"American Idol" standout Casey Abrams has been hospitalized and missed Thursday night's (Mar. 10) elimination show. The fan favorite missed the episode with his second hospitalization of the year.

"You'll notice that Casey is missing from the group. He is unfortunately sick and in the hospital right now," host Ryan Seacrest said at the opening of the show, in which  Ashton Jones was eventually sent packing. "Wave to him ... We know you're watching buddy, feel better - shout out to the nurses. Get back here soon, okay?"

No other details were released.

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Later Thursday night, Abrams wrote on Twitter: "hey guys, thanks for the well wishes, I got some nice fresh blood in me and feeling better. People at Idol & Cedars are treatin me real good." An "Idol" insider tells THR Abrams had two blood transfusions while in the hospital. His condition: Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease which affects the lining of the large intestine.

Abrams sang a standout performance of Joe Cocker's "With a Little Help From My Friends" on Wednesday.

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It's not the first time an "Idol" finalist has grappled with illness. Last season, Crystal Bowersox was hospitalized during Top 24 week for complications related to diabetes. The runner-up sent Abrams her support via Twitter, writing, "Stay in this game, Casey. Don't be afraid to say no sometimes. I'm rooting for you." Abrams replied, "It means a lot coming from you. My health is always first, but this is my dream, I'm going to keep fighting to stay in."

Back in Season 1, Christina Christian was hospitalized for what was reported to be dehydration after complaining of feeling weak. She did not join the rest of the Top 6 for the results of Big Band week and, as things turned out, she was the one sent home that week.

Fox had no comment.

(Additional reporting by Monica Herrera, Billboard.com)