'American Idol' Season 12 Recap: Lazaro Arbos Cries In Episode 21; Moves Onto Top 8

Emotion will win them over. "American Idol" Season 12 contestant Lazaro Arbos' infamous public tears on the set after being destroyed by the judges the previous week melted the American audience's hearts, prompting the Floridan to stay in the show for, at least, another program.

The 21-year-old was harshly criticized by the judges after his performance of The Beatles' "In My Life," which judge Randy Jackson deemed "his worst ever."

"Something's definitely happened to you, and I think, I don't know. You're just not hitting on all cylinders now," he added.

"When I look at you, it's about your courage and perseverance," said Mariah Carey.

Following the judges' criticism, host Ryan Seacrest asked him if he was OK. "Well, I learned that song, like last night," explained Arbos.

And apparently, that excuse was good enough for the audience, who did not include him in the "bottom three" of least voted.

His good news was Paul Jolley's nightmare, since he was the one sent home after failing to win the judges over with his rendition of Alyssa Reid's "Alone Again."

After the public's votes were counted, the bottom three was made up of Jolley, Devin Velez and, surprisingly, Amber Holcomb -- what even took the judges by surprise.

"I definitely do not think that Amber should be in the bottom three, that's common sense," said judge Nicki Minaj as voice for the table.

Velez, on the other hand, had been criticized for his performance in The Beatles round. The judges considered he had failed to "emotionally connect" with his version of "The Long And Winding Road."

Both Velez and Holcomb crossed the runway last night, leaving Jolley to convince the judges that they should use their only "save card" of the season to keep him. They didn't.

"Unfortunately, it's not unanimous. Good luck, baby," judge Randy Jackson said.

Jolley will be returning to his hometown of Palmesrville, Tenn., which has a welcome back surprise prepared: Host Ryan Seacrest revealed that the town has named March 16 as "Official Paul Jolley Day."