Stefano survives: Kent’s Langone makes top eight on ‘American Idol’

Kent’s Stefano Langone survived another week when “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced Thursday night on Fox that Pia Toscano had been eliminated from the show based on votes by viewers.

It was down to Langone, in the bottom three for the second time, and Toscano when Langone found out he would be back next week in the top eight. Several critics had expected Toscano to advance at least to the final five and maybe even win the competition.

The elimination shocked many people, including judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. Many in the studio audience booed.

“Either American parents need to stop their 13-year-old daughters from voting or ‘American Idol’ producers decided it’s time for Pia Toscano to have a recording contract and pulled her from the competition themselves,” according to the critic at www.americanidolnet.com. “Because I don’t care who you’re a fan of, you can’t deny that Pia’s elimination Thursday night was shocking and unwarranted.”

Langone, 22, a former Kentwood High School and Bellevue College student, stayed out of the bottom three last week when two contestants were eliminated. He was in the bottom three two weeks ago.

Now the Kent singer advances to Wednesday night’s top eight. Viewers will eliminate another contestant on the April 14 show.

Langone reacted to the vote Thursday on his Twitter account SLangoneAI10.

“Good morning everyone,” Langone tweeted. “Very very emotional night for me, for everyone I think. Jus want people to know I wasn’t upset about the reactions…of the judges and the audience.”

He also sent a message to thank his fans for their votes.

“And to my fans, thank you so much,” Langone tweeted. “I know you guys will be wit me whether I stay or not!You as well as me know what I’m capable of specially after this competition! And that’s real! Much love always.”