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‘American Idol’ judges save finalist Jessica Sanchez

By April MacIntyre Apr 13, 2012, 3:36 GMT

Television\'s No. 1 show, American Idol, returns for its seventh season when it premiered in January. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the hit series empowers viewers to discover America\'s next solo singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the coveted American Idol title. Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom and a chance to be the next American Idol. The ...more

The save play was used tonight on “American Idol” for Jessica Sanchez.

The San Diegon teen who belted out the jazzy Jazmine Sullivan song “Stuttering” on Wednesday received the fewest viewer votes on Thursday, but the “Idol” judges unanimously decided to save Sanchez before she could even finish her last-chance performance of Deborah Cox’s “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.”

Jennifer Lopez wasn't having it.  “This is crazy! Yes, we’re using the save. You ain’t going home.”

Elise Testone, 28, and Joshua Ledet, 20, who earned a standing ovation from the panel for Bruno Mars’ ”Runaway Baby,” joined Sanchez in the bottom three vote-getters.

“This is a ridiculous bottom three, America,” said a disgusted Randy Jackson.

The others remaining in the competition are Hollie Cavanagh, 18, of McKinney, Texas; Colton Dixon, 20, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Skylar Laine, 18, of Brandon, Miss.; and Phillip Phillips, 21 of Leesburg, Ga.

The seven finalists will return to the stage Wednesday and face elimination again Thursday.