Devin Velez performs onstage at FOX's "American Idol" Season 12 Top 9 Live Performance Show on March 20, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Credit: FOX
The male contestants on American Idol are having a tough time sticking around during season 12. Devin Velez was eliminated during the March 28 episode after landing in the bottom three with Burnell Taylor and Lazaro Arbos; the five remaining female contestants were all safe.
"It's been a great journey," Velez told Us Weekly after being voted off the FOX talent competition. "It can only get better from here, and I still get to do the tour."
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Before then, however, the 18-year-old Chicago resident hopes to make another dream come true this spring. "I'm hoping to go back home and win prom king," the aspiring musician revealed. "It's a military ball. There is still a crown, and it's still hopefully it's mine, so I'll think positive."
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Velez performed a bilingual version of "Somos Novios (It's Impossible)" during the March 28 show, though the judges chose not to use their save on the teen; Judge Mariah Carey was visibly upset by singer's exit. "That's the first time I ever saw Mariah Carey cry," Velez admitted.
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The eliminated contestant added that he hopes to release new music that inspires fans around the globe. "There are definitely going to be a couple of Spanish albums. I don't think that is going to be my primary goal, but it's who I am. I'm going to do it no matter what," he told Us. "We're just going to have fun."
Tell Us: Did Devin Velez deserve to be eliminated?
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