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Colton Dixon goes home in shocking 'American Idol' elimination

It was another surprising elimination on “American Idol,” but this time there was no reprieve for the condemned.Colton Dixon was the low vote-getter this week, and since the judges used their lone save of the season a week ago, he gets sent home in seventh place. It’s a harsh result for someone who hadn’t been in the bottom three this season, even if he wasn’t at his best Wednesday. Perh
Colton Dixon, who had not been in the bottom three until Thursday, was sent home in a surprising exit.
Colton Dixon, who had not been in the bottom three until Thursday, was sent home in a surprising exit.Michael Becker / FOX / Today

It was another surprising elimination on “American Idol,” but this time there was no reprieve for the condemned.

Colton Dixon was the low vote-getter this week, and since the judges used their lone save of the season a week ago, he gets sent home in seventh place. It’s a harsh result for someone who hadn’t been in the bottom three this season, even if he wasn’t at his best Wednesday. Perhaps “Idol” voters just enjoy toying with Hollie Cavanagh and Elise Testone’s emotions too much to actually send them home.

Not surprisingly, Colton handled his exit with class. “I apologize. I wasn’t myself last night, and I get it,” he said before getting on his knees to sing the first part of his exit song. The judges all prophesied a long and storied career for him, and while they predict that for everyone, it’s a good bet that his days of supporting himself by painting faces at sporting events are over.

Hollie and Elise were the other two members of the bottom three, but their survival wasn’t a surprise given that the “Idol” bigwigs were tweeting about how this week’s results would be shocking and there would be a lot of sad and angry people. Here’s a tip for everyone: Never tell these guys a secret. They can’t resist a hype-filled spoiler.

'American Idol' final 2

Slideshow  68 photos

'American Idol' final 2

Who's your pick to win the crown this year?

However, the result seemed especially shocking to Elise, who told Ryan Seacrest that she thought it would be her going home since the judges were mean to her Wednesday. She also noted that she felt like the judges were picking on her, perhaps (she theorized) because she was older and could take it. Or, you know, it could have been because she wasn’t on top of her game Wednesday.

The least shocked, or saddened, of the remaining finalists appeared to be Skylar Laine, who smiled and clapped as Colton sang his finale. Maybe she’s just really, really sick of the dating rumors.

Jessica Sanchez also seemed pleased to avoid danger after she needed the save to survive last week. Mentor Jimmy Iovine patted himself on the back by finally realizing she’s singing songs that are too old for her, something Simon Cowell would have noticed and slammed her for since February.

Like Jessica, Joshua Ledet went from bottom three last week to top four this time, proving that the “Idol” voters are a fickle lot. Apart from Phillip Phillips, every remaining finalist has been in danger of going home at least once. Can’t you people make up your minds?

Meanwhile, the other big news was LMFAO pulling off the worst live performance from a guest act in “Idol” history. Who cares about their party rocking? They should be sorry for those four minutes viewers will never get back. Many probably would have rather heard season five champ Taylor Hicks sing again, and considering he was in the audience, that could have happened.

Taylor is an illustration that winning the show doesn’t lead to superstardom. But Colton can take inspiration from another “Idol” alum. Jennifer Hudson came in seventh in season three, and rumor has it she’s done pretty well for herself since then.

Now that Colton is out, who do you think will win this season? Did America cut the right singer? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Want more "Idol" during "Idol"? Follow @CraigBerman as he live tweets each show.

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