April 4: DeAndre Brackensick performs on the singing competition series 'American Idol' in Los Angeles. (AP)
LOS ANGELES – “American Idol” lost another contestant on Thursday night, while judge Jennifer Lopez managed to raise some eyebrows with the world premiere of her saucy new video, “Dance Again.”
“It’s a racy video,” teased host Ryan Seacrest. “I always wonder when I see a video like this where there’s dancing–was there any special chemistry on the set of this video with you and any of the dancers?”
Seacrest, of course, was referring to Lopez’s 24-year-old lover, Casper Smart, who costars in the steamy video and is variously fawned over and blindfolded by the 42-year-old mother of two.
“It’s a good video,” a blushing Lopez explained, as judge Randy Jackson cleared his throat and judge Steven Tyler looked at her askance. “I can’t wait for you all to see it!”
Meanwhile, America proved that it has no love for DeAndre Brackensick, or for that matter, ‘80s supergroup, DeBarge.
Mentor Jimmy Iovine was 100 percent spot-on with his prediction that the curly-haired crooner would land in the bottom three with his version of the 1982 smash, “I Like It.”
Brackensick joined Hollie Cavanaugh, who sang an off-pitch version of “Flashdance... What a Feeling” and Elise Testone, who stumbled with a not-quite-spectacular rendition of Foreigner's “I Want to Know What Love Is” as the lowest vote-getters of the week.
Cavanaugh and Testone were spared from elimination, while Brackensick ranked dead last with votes from “American Idol” viewers.
Even longtime supporter Lopez couldn’t convince her fellow judges to “save” Brackensick from getting the boot.
“I only get one vote,” said a resigned Lopez after DeAndre sang a middling version “Master Blaster” by Stevie Wonder. “I’m sorry, we’re not saving you tonight.”
“Are you saying that you voted to save and the other two didn’t?” asked Seacrest as Brackensick’s sister, who was sitting in the audience, collapsed into her mother’s arms, crying.
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying,” replied Lopez.
The rest of the “American Idol” gang took the results show in stride, accepting criticism for the judges and Iovine with a grain of salt–except for the perennially popular Phillip Phillips.
The handsome 20-year-old shrugged off suggestions that he had become complacent with his growling guitar act.
“I’m just being myself, dude,” a touchy Phillips explained to Seacrest. “I’m not trying to walk around the stage and touch people’s hands.”
Oh, snap! Guest performer and “American Idol” alum Kellie Pickler had just done exactly that while performing her new single, “Where’s Tammy Wynette.”
Lopez looked a bit perturbed by Phillips flippant comment, while Iovine had a warning for the former pawn store clerk.
“It’s very difficult to push yourself when everyone’s telling you you’re so great,” noted Iovine. “When he stands still, there’s a very good possibility that other contestants will come up and pass him.”
Phillips should take note. Iovine’s been right before.
Up next: The seven remaining finalists compete.
Trending
Who's making headlines in television, music, movies and more from Hollywood to the Heartland.