Emotional Casey Abrams thanks judges as they use 'save card' to rescue him from elimination on American Idol

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:02 AM on 25th March 2011

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• Casey collapses on floor as he is given the good news
  
• Judges use up only chance to save a contestant in dramatic results show
• But now TWO contestants will face the chop next week because of decision
• Jennifer Hudson returns to American Idol for guest performance

It's only the third week of the competition, but already the America Idol judges have brought in the one-time-use 'save card'.

The panel dramatically decided to rescue Casey Abrams from elimination in last night's emotional results show after he received the lowest number of votes.

But while nobody went home this week, the remaining 11 finalists are now at the mercy of the viewing public with the judges having used up the once chance to save a contestant.

Moment of truth: An emotional Casey Abrams was dramatically saved by the judges in American Idol last night after receiving the lowest number of viewer votes

Too much to take: The contestant collapsed on the floor after hearing the new, tended to by host Ryan Seacrest

And host Ryan Seacrest announced that now two contestants will be leaving the show next week because of the decision.

Upon hearing news he had been saved, Casey collapsed to his knees and with shaking hands went to hug and thank the judges.

'Are you kidding? Are you really,' he squealed.

Thank you so much: The 20-year-old thanked the judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler for saving him

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From shock to joy: Casey receives news he is in the bottom three and, right, upon realising he has been given another shot

The save card was brought in recently in a bid to give the judges the power to overrule the public decision.

It can be implemented up until the top five contestants are eliminated and it must be a unanimous decision between Jennifer Lopez, Steve Tyler and Randy Jackson.

Casey, 20, fell into the bottom three alongside Thia Megia and Stefano Langone following their performances on Wednesday night's Motown live show.

Well done son: Casey was in tears as he hugged his parents who were watching in the audience

Disbelief: All the judges were shocked that Casey received the lowest number of viewer votes

On Wednesday's programme, Casey performed a rousing rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

And last night, for his save song, he sang Ray Charles's I Don't Need No Doctor.

However he only made it half way through before Randy dramatically stopped him, saying the audience didn't need convincing that he was a star singer.

Bottom three: Casey, Stefano Langone and Thia Megia sit nervously

Still in the running: None of the final 11 hopefuls were sent home, but next week two will face the chop

He called it 'crazy' that Abrams was in danger of being booted from the show.

'We've made a decision together here,'Tyler said. 'We're going to keep you.'

A shocked Lopez added 'We were wondering what was going on and why you were in the bottom and we don't know.

Cheers and tears: Host Ryan revealed the results throughout the show, seen here a relieved Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alania and Pia Toscano (back turned)

Opening number: Jacob Lusk and Naima Adedapo performing with the finalists at the start of the show

'You've had a rough couple of weeks and a lot of stuff going on but we want you to get back to the artist you are. You deserve to be here!'

Earlier in the contest, Casey missed one of the results show after being rushed to hospital for two blood transfusions.

The drama came in the first week of the live shows with the hopeful being taken to Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles after suffering crippling stomach pains.

Making a return: Jennifer Hudson was back on the stage that made her famous to perform her new song Where You At

True star: The Oscar-winning singer and actress looked stunning in a black dress with gold shoulder detailing

Casey suffers from the condition ulcerative colitis - a form of irritable bowel disease - which causes sores on the colon and intestine.

The singers still in the running along with Abrams are Lauren Alaina, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia, Stefano Langone, Naima Adedapo and Scotty McCreery.

The results show also featured a surprise appearance from legendary singer Stevie Wonder.

He took to the stage with the 11 finalists to perform Signed, Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours).

Legend: Stevie Wonder made a surprise appearance, performing Happy Birthday to judge Steven Tyler who turns 63 on Saturday

Ensemble: The judges ran on stage to check out a huge cake and painting of Tyler that the contestants presented to the Aerosmith front man with Tyler saying: 'I'm speechless'

Wonder also entertained birthday boy Tyler, who turns 63 on Saturday, with a rendition of his iconic song Happy Birthday.

Former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson was another guest performer, returning to the stage that first made her famous with her new track Where You At.

Sugarland also performed their track Stuck Like Glue.

Another guest was Hulk Hogan, who joined Seacrest during the broadcast to announce some of the results.

Showing some muscle: WWE star Hulk Hogan ripped off his shirt as he made an appearance to help Seacrest reveal the results

Here come the judges: Randy, J.LO and Tyler emerge on stage at the start of the show

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