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Pia Toscano Voted Off 'American Idol' in Shock Elimination

by Monica Herrera, N.Y.  |   April 07, 2011 9:24 EDT
Michael Becker/FOX

Artists in this Article

Steven Tyler
Jennifer Lopez

"American Idol" favorite Pia Toscano was voted off the competition Thursday night (April 7), in a shocking elimination episode that left her fellow contestants distraught and the judges vocally expressing their dismay. 

 

"I have no idea what just happened here. I'm shocked. I'm angry. I don't even know what to say," remarked Jennifer Lopez, who held her head in her hands when the results were announced. 

 

Video: Pia Toscano is voted off "American Idol"

 

Randy Jackson, who shouted "No!" when Ryan Seacrest revealed Toscano's elimination, said, "I'm never upset on this show and I'm never really mad, but this makes me mad." 

 

Steven Tyler, who muttered an expletive that was censored when Seacrest first told Toscano she'd landed in the bottom three, said, "America, man, a mistake is one thing, but lack of passion is unforgivable," suggesting that perhaps not enough viewers had voted.

 

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When asked how she was feeling, Toscano mustered, "I'm good. I'm OK. I'm OK." But the singer, who was pegged early as a potential winner this season, cried while watching her farewell montage and struggled to get through her final song, a version of the Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You." 

 

Had Toscano's elimination come earlier in the season, the Howard Beach, New York native would have no doubt been saved. But the judges had exhausted their lone save option of the season during top 11 week on Casey Abrams, who was deemed safe by voters this week. Stefano Langone and Jacob Lusk joined Toscano in the bottom three. 

 

Toscano's elimination is the latest in an ongoing trend of female contestants being voted off "American Idol" before their male counterparts. Just two females -- Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart -- remain in the competition this season, while six males are left standing. The last time a female contestant won "American Idol" was four years ago, when Jordin Sparks triumphed in season six. 

 

What do you think about Pia Toscano's "American Idol" elimination? Are you shocked, or did you see it coming? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

 


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