Even when the judges’ save is used justifiably, as it was when it was applied to keep the talented Jessica Sanchez in the competition last week, there will always be regrets. Inevitably, another talented contestant will receive the lowest vote total–and he or she will not have the benefit of the save.
That unfortunate reality already reared its head Thursday; Colton Dixon, who had never previously appeared in the bottom three, was sent home.
Though his two performances were lackluster this week, Colton had seemingly become a fan favorite due to his pop-alternative style, and many assumed his demographic status as a young, Christian, “rocker” male would keep him around until the end. But alas, America decided not to get behind him this week.
Elise Testone and Hollie Cavanagh, both of whom seemed to be the more likely candidates for elimination, joined him in the bottom three.