Jennifer Lopez Votes To Save DeAndre Brackensick On 'Idol'

DeAndre Brackensick sang "I Like It" on Wednesday's '80s-themed episode of "American Idol," but America didn't like it and sent the springy-haired singer packing on Thursday's (April 5) elimination episode.

The 17-year-old from San Jose, California, came the closest so far this season to being a recipient of a judges' save, after performing Stevie Wonder's "Master Blaster" following the news he received the lowest number of America's votes.

"This boy right here, we've been watching him for two years. You're an amazing performer, and I stand by that," Jennifer Lopez told him. "I think you have an amazing voice, and you're gonna share a lot with the world, I really do believe that. [But] I only get one vote. I'm sorry, we're not saving you tonight. I'm sorry, baby."

Host Ryan Seacrest asked Lopez if that meant she voted to save him and the other two judges didn't. "Yes, that's what I'm saying," she said.

Brackensick wound up in the doghouse despite receiving positive remarks from the judges Wednesday. Lopez called his performance "natural" and Steven Tyler called it "amazing," while Randy Jackson told him, "It was one of my best performances from you."

Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine, however, had a different take. "DeAndre was not great!" he barked. "DeAndre needs to come out and grow at a much faster pace. If you look at the boys, Joshua [Ledet] is growing in leaps and bounds, and DeAndre is growing marginally." Iovine called him the "weakest of the boys" on Wednesday.

Iovine had harsh words for several of the contestants Thursday; he said Hollie Cavanagh "is approaching this like a high school performer, and last night wasn't even a great high school performance," while he said Elise Testone delivered "an old-fashioned choke." (It goes without saying that Iovine has become by far the most interesting, honest judge on the show, even though he's technically not even a judge. Can someone go ahead and change that, please?)

It was Cavanagh and Testone, in fact, who joined Brackensick in the week's bottom three. Brackensick was the first contestant sent to those lonely chairs, followed by Cavanagh and then Testone. Cavanagh was sent back to safety first, leaving Brackensick and Testone to sweat it out.

Also on the show, the Wanted performed their hit "Glad You Came" and Kellie Pickler ran through her new single "Where's Tammy Wynette," while Jennifer Lopez debuted her "Dance Again" video.

What did you think of Brackensick's elimination? Let us know in the comments!

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