The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune features Reporter

THE AMERICAN Idol contestant Heejun Han, known for his over the top comical sense of humor, found himself voted out of the competition last week.

As the season quickly nears its end, the list of American Idol hopefuls is getting smaller and smaller. Although he did his best to impress the judges with a rendition of Donnie Hathaway's "A Song For You", Heejun's performance was not good enough for the judges to use their "save card".

The 22 year old landed in the bottom three for the second time in a row, along with contestants Skylar Laine and Hollie Cavanagh. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson deliberated and decided to send Heejun packing.

Dedicated American Idol fans knew Heejun as the funny guy. He showed a comedic side each week in the competition, and when he was not making sarcastic remarks, he remixed his performances with funny dance moves and jovial appearances.

But for judge Steven Tyler, Heejun's actions were not at all funny. Before delivering the bad news that Heejun would be voted off, Steven criticized him for "not taking the competition serious".

He said: "Let the record show. You knew this was coming."

According to eonline.com, Heejun claimed that Judge Lopez tried to convince the other judges to use their save on him.

"She came up to me, with the teary eyes, and said, 'I was convincing them to save you, but I lost,' but only her vote counts for me I guess, but Randy and Steven can just...whatever," he said.

Speaking on Heejun and Steven's difference of opinion, the website quoted Heejun by saying: "We had our different perspectives. I was trying to give a fun time to America because I thought it would be entertaining and fun. Maybe he took it wrong, but I can't please everyone."

When asked about his advice for the remaining contestants, Heejun said: "Do not try this at home. I'm just kidding. Singing competition, model competition, anything, when it comes down to competition, it's literally just saying you're competing against each other."

"Why do you always have to be so serious when only one person is going to survive? You might as well have fun and have a thick skin and stay true to yourself," he said.

Last week's show also featured a selection by rapper Nicki Minaj, who performed her single "Starships". Former American Idol contestant, Scotty McCreery also performed his new single "Water Tower Town".

The top eight contestants that remain, will take to the stage this week to sing songs from the 1980s. Jennifer Lopez will also premiere her new music video "Dance Again."

American Idol Remaining Top 8 Contestants:

Jessica Sanchez

Skylar Laine

DeAndre Brackensick

Elise Testone

Phillip Phillips

Colton Dixon

Hollie Cavanagh

Joshua Ledet