Elliott Exits ‘Idol’

NEW YORK (May 17, 2006) — Tears streamed from “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul’s eyes when the result was announced. The audience stood and clapped, paying their respects.

In a close vote, Abdul’s favorite finalist, Elliott Yamin — an “Idol” underdog and blue-eyed soul singer — was bounced off the Fox talent contest during Wednesday’s elimination show.

The 27-year-old Richmond, Va. resident says he’ll do anything to make a lasting mark on the music world — without completely compromising his style, of course.

“I’m going to do whatever I can to just be heard and be successful,” he told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday.

“If that means that I have to hit the studio tomorrow and record an ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm’ remix, then that’s what I’ll do. I don’t want to compromise my style though. … But whatever comes my way I’ll take,” Elliott said.

“I thought it was amazing how close the vote was,” Elliott said. “But it’s not like I’m kind of kicking my heels and saying, ‘Oh boy, if we just had a few more people to vote.’ I’m making no bones about what happened, and I never will. I’m just truly blessed to have made it this far.”

Elliott, who is 90 percent deaf in his right ear, said competing on “American Idol” was the “first thing that I’ve done in years that I’ve actually followed through with and it’s just a great sense of accomplishment. Yesterday’s gone and I’m living for today and tomorrow.”

On Tuesday’s show, Elliott chose Donny Hathaway’s version of Ray Charles’ “I Believe to My Soul,” which the judges complained wasn’t a song the audience could connect with.

“I probably could have chosen a less obscure song,” Elliott said. “They even told me that. … But you know what, that was the good thing about the Ray Charles song was that it was my choice.

… I love that song, I love to sing it, that’s all that matters.”

The singer, who moved to Richmond when he was 10, honed his talent by making the rounds doing karaoke at local restaurants before his August audition in Boston.

“I’ve known for years that this is what I should be doing, however I just didn’t know how to get there,” Elliott said. “People choose different paths, and I’ve chosen some OK paths and I’ve chosen some bad paths. I’m just lucky to have been able to make the best out of this opportunity.

Elliott’s exit cleared the path for a final showdown between gray-haired Taylor Hicks and sultry Katharine McPhee. The winner will be crowned May 24.

During Wednesday’s program, Elliott told host Ryan Seacrest he felt “truly blessed.”

“I hope it doesn’t stop here,” he said of his music career.

Elliott was considered the show’s best — and most sensitive — male singer. When “Idol” featured a segment on Wednesday documenting his return home to greet fans in Virginia, he broke down in tears. Abdul also wept.

Judge Simon Cowell seemed to sense Elliott’s impending departure on Tuesday’s program.

“Your songs are not going to carry you through to next week — that’s the problem,” Simon told Elliott. “However, you are a great guy. You are a great singer. And whatever happens, you will make your mom very proud for what you’ve achieved for this competition.”

Paula, who recently said she wanted Yamin to win “Idol,” called him a “funky white boy.”

“You pierce through the heart,” she told him on Tuesday’s program.

Nearly four years since its debut, “Idol” continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 25 million to 33 million viewers each telecast this season.

Ryan said on Wednesday’s program that viewers called in 50 million votes.