Erika Van Pelt Eliminated From 'American Idol'
"American Idol" has narrowed the singing competition down to nine contestants after Erika Van Pelt was eliminated Thursday night.
After transforming her appearance under the guidance of the show's guest star, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Pelt found herself in the bottom three. DeAndre Brackensick and Heejun Han escaped elimination though, and Van Pelt appeared emotional as she left the stage for good.
"Idol" contestants each selected a song by Billy Joel this week, and while some did well with the challenge, others faltered on the "Piano Man" singer's tunes.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"If you can't sing Billy Joel, you can't sing at all," said one of the judges on the show, Steven Tyler.
The 26-year-old singer cut her blonde hair and died it black before singing Joel's "New York State of Mind" on Wednesday's episode.
At the judges' table, Tyler said Van Pelt's rendition of the song was "outstanding." "American Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez noted the singer's transformation, and suggested that Van Pelt engage her body a bit more. Randy Jackson also liked her new look.
The results episode Thursday proved that Van Pelt's performance was not enough to keep her in the competition, and she was accused of "overhanging" the Joel song. Judges Lopez, Tyler, and Jackson decided not to use their once-per-season "save" to keep her on the show.
Thursday's "American Idol" also saw a performance by hipster pop princess Lana Del Rey, as well as a past "Idol" runner-up Haley Reinhart, who sang her new single titled "Free."
"American Idol" has nine remaining competitors in its eleventh season. The reality show airs on Fox Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST.
Remaining contestants include this season's favorite, Colton Dixon, who sat at the piano Wednesday singing Joel's "Piano Man."
Jessica Sanchez, who sang "Everybody Has a Dream," also remains in the running. Hollie Cavanagh, Phillip Phillips, Elise Testone, and Skylar Lane are also still "American Idol" contestants.
