Just when judges were beginning to believe 18-year-old country cutie Skylar Laine could win 'American Idol,' viewers sent her home. The Brandon, Miss. native was eliminated on Thursday night, receiving the fewest votes of the remaining five contestants.

Laine and perpetual bottom-dweller Hollie Cavanagh were in the bottom two after over 60 million votes were counted. It was a shock to viewers, Skoutlaws and judges, as most agreed the country singer had given two of her best performances of the year the night before, singing songs by Dusty Springfield and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Jennifer Lopez even hinted that she thought Laine could become the second straight country winner.

Could Laine's elimination be another case of voters assuming a contestant's safety after a solid showing on the Wednesday night show?

When host Ryan Seacrest read her name instead of Cavanagh's, Laine turned and hugged the blonde before offering a few graceful remarks and beginning her swan song -- Miranda Lambert's 'Gunpowder and Lead.' She was a spitfire until the very end.

Of course this isn't the true end for Laine. By making it this far she's assured a spot on the American Idol Live tour when it begins shortly after the conclusion of the 11th season of the reality program.

Watch Skylar Laine Get Eliminated on 'American Idol'

 

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