Judges Save Casey Abrams on "American Idol" Elimination Night

Hopefully Casey Abrams will stay healthy enough to continue on "American Idol" this season. The judges used their one and only 'save' of the season banking on the blues musician to pull in the votes later. Abrams has already been hospitalized twice this season for blood transfusions, he's reported to suffer from Ulcerative Colitis. Hopefully the latest drama on the "Idol" elimination show doesn't cause a relapse.

When the bottom three were finally revealed tonight it was a bit of a shock. Thia Megia and Stefano Langone sat next to Casey Abrams on the stools of shame. Though two of the three were not a stretch to consider for elimination, Abrams has shown a degree of musicality we just don't see on "Idol." However, little kids vote and haters vote. If your fans fall somewhere in the middle you are in trouble.

Once Thia Megia was pronounced safe it seemed a sure bet that Stefano Langone would be leaving "American Idol" season 10. Even Stefano looked defeated. It had taken a judges' wild card to get him into the top 13, no way would they use their save on Stefano Langone.

Then it happened. Seacrest announced that Casey Abrams was the lowest vote-getter this week and in danger of leaving "Idol." He'd have to sing for his life and convince the judges to use their 'save' on him. I knew they would. I think that 'save' had about four names on it, maybe five: Pia Toscano, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, James Durbin and Scotty McCreery.

Abrams began to sing his original audition song "I Don't Need No Doctor," which I was just happy to hear him do with a band. It was obvious that the judges would save this guy. I think with good reason. It became obvious that Casey did not know it was obvious. He got a couple lines into the song when Randy was seen waving off the band and saying, "Stop, stop..." Ryan Seacrest came back on stage and looked puzzled, Casey looked sick.

Steven Tyler then told Casey that they had decided to use their 'save' on him as soon as they heard the results. They were not going to make him sing for his life. Then things got a little scary as all the blood appeared to leave Casey Abram's face. He got very pale and looked really sick. Then he tried to say something and looked even more sick. He did not pass out, but it looked pretty close. A stunned Abrams went out and shook each of the judges' hands and thanked them. Hopefully he can keep his nerves down. All this drama is hard on a guy who's getting blood transfusions.

The problem, or maybe the blessing, is that now each "Idol" hopeful is completely on their own. It's probably best it was used this early. Now voters have all the control. Careful what you wish for, and vote for your favorite. You can read a full recap of tonight's "American Idol" live elimination here, and more on Casey Abrams here.