American Idol's Colton Dixon: "Things Are Only Going To Get Better From Here"

Last night, the American Idol studio audience was left speechless when host Ryan Seacrest announced that 20-year-old Colton Dixon had been eliminated. The pressure was on after the judges used their only save last week on Jessica Sanchez, and Dixon recognized the error in his ways during this crucial point in the competition.
"I regret my first song [Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"]," Dixon told reporters backstage after the show. "I didn't veer stylistically from me at all, but I think I could have chosen a better song that I could connect with that had a better message for me and for my audience."
A seventh-place finish is impressive for a contestant who had no desire to audition when the season began. After being cut early last year, the judges persuaded Dixon to try out again when he accompanied sister Schyler to this year's auditions. "She better try out next year and make it further than I did because I want that free car!" joked Dixon. "She's definitely got the talent and she can blow the rest of the competition out of the water."
After the save was used last week, Dixon said the pressure was on all the contestants, and his fate was inevitable, even if it was too soon. "I thought I had another week, but someone good has got to go home and it was just me this week," he said, adding a message to the viewers. "For all of you guys voting at home, you have to vote as many times as you can to make sure your favorite stays in."
So what's next for Dixon? The singer promises new original material is on its way, honoring his faith without straying from his rocker persona. "Things are only going to get better from here," he promised. "I want to do Christian music — that's where my heart's at — so I'm going to start writing as soon as they let me. I'm just excited to share a gift that God gave me."
Are you sad to see Colton leave the competition?
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