Burnell Taylor – who was eliminated from the competition on Thursday’s “American Idol” — says he gave it his best shot.
“I think I did my job,” Burnell told AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman following the show in Los Angeles on Thursday. “It’s obvious that a girl is gonna win. But I love the girls, and I hope everybody does good.”
The New Orleans native received some uplifting praise from “Idol” judge Nicki Minaj, which helped ease his disappointment over getting the boot.
“[Her praise] was amazing. Nicki is an amazing person and the things she told me helped me realize that I did what I was supposed to do,” he said .”I left my mark. I’ve grown… my next step is waiting for me to step into it.”
Adding, “So I’m gonna do what I have to do to stay relevant.”
WATCH: Burnell Taylor Reacts To ‘Idol’ Elimination
Judge Mariah Carey turned away from Burnell during his performance on Thursday (as she struggled to fight back tears) and the superstar said she wouldn’t have been able to keep her composure had she continued to watch him sing.
“I really hated the fact that I couldn’t’ be more supportive of him while he was singing, but I had to turn away,” she told Laura. “I was not trying to cry – I don’t do that. It’s the opposite if anything!”
WATCH: Nicki Minaj Talks Talented ‘Idol’ Girls
Mimi also teared up last week when Devin Velez was sent home.
Despite the increasingly frequent waterworks, Mariah said she’s not an exceedingly emotional person – she’s just moved by the combination of knowing the contestants and beautiful melodies.
“When you combine music with the story of what the contestants have been through, it’s just heartbreaking,” she explained. “And as a musician and a musical person – it’s just like, I can’t take it.”
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