Ashthon Jones — the contestant Steven Tyler once praised for having “the confidence of a queen” — was voted off during tonight’s (Mar. 10) American Idol results show.
Jones weathered the elimination alongside Karen Rodriguez and Haley Reinhart, after their 10 other competitors were revealed to be safe. The R&B singer gave Diana Ross another shot after learning she had received the least viewer votes, performing “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” in a long-shot attempt to win the judges’ singular safe card for the season. Jennifer Lopez gently broke the news that their decision not to save her was unanimous, telling Ashton, “I was rooting for you, baby.”
Jones also performed Diana Ross‘ “When You Tell Me That You Love Me” during last night’s episode as part of the judges’ save option, which prompted Lopez to suggest singing a more popular Ross hit. “I’ve had a beautiful experience,” Jones said in her farewell. “I just want to say thank you, America.” Relive Jones’ performance from last night (Mar. 9) below.
Former Idol runner-up Adam Lambert also took the stage tonight, showing a softer side with a stunning acoustic version of his most recent single, “Aftermath.” Sitting atop a stool with his bandmates surrounding him, Lambert — who host Ryan Seacrest touted as “truly setting the bar for style and spectacle on this stage” — appeared cool, calm and collected. Watch below.
Additionally, Diddy Dirty Money took the stage later in the show to perform their hit “Coming Home,” with the song’s hook songstress Skylar Grey joining the group. The show kicked off with the full cast of contestants performing a medley of Michael Jackson hits. Watch both “Coming Home” and the MJ medley below.
Tonight’s Idol featured more than just Jones’ swan song and performances from Diddy and Lambert: Casey Abrams was not present, due to further health problems that landed the contestant back in the hospital.
