Idol's Allison: To Be Axed During Rock Week Was "Weird"
Allison Iraheta
Allison Iraheta, who fell shy of making American Idol's Top 3, says that while she went into Rock Week's results show "prepared for anything," she still found the timing of her ouster to be "weird."
Following Danny Gokey's "Dream On" scream heard 'round the world, in light of Danny and Kris Allen's tepid reviews, and factoring in her comparatively well-received solo and duet performances, it seemed for a moment that Allison was a lock to make the Top 3.
Instead, the 17-year-old got sent home.
Asked to consider all of the above and reflect on her elimination, Iraheta tells TVGuide.com, "I really don't know to say it, because it was weird."
"I had been in the bottom three so many times," she notes, "so I was really prepared for anything. And then when it was down to me and Danny, I was like, 'Well, it's either him or me.' And it was me."
Playing to her sweet spot during Rock Week, Iraheta on Tuesday night effectively channeled Janis Joplin for "Cry Baby," then dueted with front-runner Adam Lambert — the singers chose their own partners — on Foghat's "Slow Ride."
A record 64 million votes later, American had its say, and Iraheta was directed back home, to Los Angeles.
"I'm pretty happy that I made it this far," she says. "I'm glad that I got the opportunity to be on that stage."
Next week, Gokey, Allen and Lambert will sing two songs each — their own pick plus a judge's selection — while the results show's musical guests will be Season 6 Idol champ Jordin Sparks and Katy Perry.
Got questions for Allison, for when she comes by for her TVGuide.com video Q&A? Share them in comments.
For the latest on American Idol, tune into TV Guide Network's Idol Tonight every Wednesday at 8 pm/ET and Idol Wrap every Friday at 8 pm/ET with co-hosts Kimberly Caldwell and Justin Guarini. Plus get more on your favorite Idols every Friday with American Idol Rewind at 7 pm/ET.