PHOTOS: Last year’s dramatic Idol finale
Season eight runner-up Adam Lambert performed as Stevens, 17, waited on stage to hear if she’d remain on the Fox show another week. “She was visibly gasping with nerves,” the witness told Us. “Mike was unsmiling and Tim looked genuinely relaxed and unbothered as he chatted with show stylist Miles Siggins.”
When Stevens got the boot, Bowersox “immediately burst into tears. Mike seemed stunned and didn’t move or clap at all during Katie’s performance. Everyone came on stage and hugged her. Katie was really crying as she watched her season flashback tape with Andrew, who had his arm around her. But he seemed really together and calm.”
In the audience: Fifth season finalist Elliott Yamin, who was “greeted enthusiastically by all the judges and Ryan [Seacrest], who spent ages chatting to him during a commercial break.”
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“When Andrew was told he’s off, Katie [Stevens] looked like she was crying, and Dewyze was hugging himself,” the witness said.
As he performed one last time,Wholesale Ed hardy belts, “Tim [Urban] was really into it, dancing along and Tim was the first to jump on to the stage to hug Andrew. Simon [Cowell] spent a few minutes talking animatedly to him, giving him advice.”
Also upset: Garcia’s wife, who teared up in the audience. “Ellen [DeGeneres] spent a few minutes talking to her and patting her on her arm,” the witness told Us.
Michael “Big Mike” Lynche was saved on last week’s American Idol, meaning two contestants would get the boot on Wednesday’s show.
As the remaining nine waited to hear their fate, Lee Dewyze “looked sick with nerves,” an UsMagazine.com eyewitness said of the 24-year-old Illinois native.
But he’ll last another week. The first to go: Andrew Garcia,Wholesale Iceberg, 24, of Moreno, Calif.
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VIDEO: The season’s worst auditions
Next, seventh-season finalist Brooke White performed with Justin Gaston (Miley Cyrus’ ex beau), who currently stars on Web show If I Can Dream. “Mike was really into it and was the first to start clapping,” the insider said. Afterward, White and Gaston greeted all the Idols on stage.
During the commercial break, “Kara [DioGuardi] was literally hanging off Simon’s shoulder trying to talk to him as he walked backstage,” the witness said. Before the show started, Cowell kissed her warmly on the cheek.
When the show returned, rocker Crystal Bowersox,Wholesale Ed hardy silk scarves, 24, was told she’s safe and “immediately kissed her necklace for heading for the couch,” the witness said. “Siobhan [Magnus] was told she’s safe and sat in the sofa with her head in her hands. Lee was told he’s safe and clutched his heart in relief.”