In an unusual step, American Idol kicked Jermaine Jones off the show last night, following the discovery that the season 11 finalist had lied about a pair of arrests.
How are fellow contestants reacting to the development? A few relayed their thoughts People:
Phillip Phillips: “It was sad to see somebody go like that, with an awesome voice. It sucks.”
Colton Dixon: “We found out what happened when you guys did. We were shocked, but at the same time, he’s such a great guy. We all love him to death. He’s truly the gentle giant. He handled himself so well, I’m proud of him.”
Shannon Magrane: Jones “always has that great fun spirit, and he has always kept us laughing. He is so funny, we miss him already.”
Hollie Cavanagh: “He’s going to do huge things in music regardless of if he’s on the show or not,” she said. “It’s just a little bump in the road. He’ll prevail, and he’ll do big things.”
Heejun Han: “It’s a competition. I really want to be honest about it. I’m not like, ‘Oh, please don’t go, please don’t’ go!'”