The 41-year-old singer sobbed uncontrollably after sending home wannabe pop star Chris Medina.
Chris, from Oak, Forest, Illinois, had previously won the hearts of the Idol judges – and the American public – by dedicating his initial audition to wheelchair-bound girlfriend Juliana Ramos.
But last night, as J-Lo, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson began picking their top 24 contestants they told the caretaker his run had come to an end.
After breaking the news to Chris, cameras caught Lopez being comforted by her fellow judges as she wiped away her tears with a tissue.