American Idol: Curtis Finch Jr. Is ‘Still Excited’: ‘It Doesn’t End Here’

Curtis Finch Jr. got the boot on Thursday’s “American Idol,” but the singer is taking the disappointing dismissal in stride.

“I really feel like when you have done a task and your job is done, then your job is done,” the 24-year-old hopeful told AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman following Thursday’s “American Idol” show in Los Angeles.

“There are so many seasons in life — winter, spring, summer, and fall, but other seasons can’t come unless you let go of others,” he said, of how he’s staying positive despite the early elimination. “The job is done and so it doesn’t end here. It has started here. So, I’m still excited.”

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Judges — Then & Now

Judge Nicki Minaj was extremely upset that the “Idol” judges failed to use their “save” option to keep Curtis in the competition (after he performed a stirring rendition of R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly”), and Curtis said both Nicki and fellow judge Mariah Carey offered him praise and encouragement privately after the show.

“I love [Mariah]… she was very inspiring and telling me to stay where I’m at, keep doing what I’m doing,” he shared of Mimi’s post-show encouragement. “I love the judges and so for her and I to share that moment was amazing, I’ll never forget it.”

“American Idol” continues next Wednesday at 8/7c on FOX.

— Erin O’Sullivan

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