Even before the elimination, the “American Idol” Top 13 was only 12 members strong during Thursday’s show, due to the hospitalization of finalist Casey Abrams.
“Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced the news at the beginning of the show.
“You’ll notice that Casey is missing from the group. He is unfortunately sick and in the hospital right now,” Ryan told the studio and TV audience. “We know you’re watching, buddy. Feel better. Shout out to the nurses. Get back here soon.”
Later in the broadcast, it was revealed that Casey’s spot in the competition was safe, as Ashthon Jones was eliminated.
Following the show, Casey hit up his Twitter page to let his fans know he was doing well.
“hey guys, thanks for the well wishes, I got some nice fresh blood in me and feeling better. People at Idol & Cedars are treatin me real good,” he Tweeted.
He also offered a message to elminated “Idol” Ashthon.
“I love you girl. I know for a fact we will meet up again in the near future. And your hair better be even bigger next time :),” he wrote.
It’s the second stint in the hospital for Casey, the 20-year-old bearded rocker from Illinois.
He was also hospitalized prior to the Top 24 round and was in jeopardy of missing a scheduled performance which may have cost him his spot in the competition.
Access Hollywood spoke with Casey at the Top 13 party earlier this month, where he revealed he had been having stomach problems.
“Everything is fine now,” he told Access at the time. “I’m recovering, but my stomach was in a little bit of pain.
“I have a weak stomach,” he added. “I’m OK now.”
On Wednesday night’s Top 13 performance, Casey wowed the judges with his soulful rendition of Joe Cocker’s “With A Little Help From My Friends.”
“You were so unbelievable and so exciting, you hit all the notes always, you make listening to you sing fun and I loved it, dude!” an excited Randy Jackson enthused. “I loved it.”
A spokesperson for “Idol” told Access Hollywood there would be no additional statement or comment on Casey’s hospitalization.
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