LOS ANGELES (AP) - When she sang Wednesday, "American Idol" judge Steven Tyler screamed "murderer" at Pia Toscano - because he felt he had killed with her performance.
But Thursday night, all three judges and some fans of the show were screaming bloody murder - because Pia's chances were killed when she got fewer votes than any of the other finalists.
It was a strange moment when host Ryan Seacrest announced that Pia was voted off. Randy Jackson could be seen covering his head and mouthing the word "No" over and over. Jennifer Lopez had tears in her eyes and Steven Tyler said of the voters: "they're wrong." Tyler also blasted voters who might have liked Pia's style but didn't vote for her, saying: "a mistake is one thing" but "lack of passion is unforgivable."
Pia seemed to take the decision better than the judges and her fellow contestants - many of who had tears in their eyes, knowing they were staying on despite not having her talent. But she became overcome by the end of her swan song, "I'll Stand By You." After she finished singing, her sobbing could be heard over the show's closing theme.
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