America said goodbye to Devin Velez on Thursday night's American Idol, leaving only Lazaro Arbos and Burnell Taylor as season 12's two remaining guys. But it didn't come as much of a surprise to Velez himself, who told reporters on Friday, "I got a feeling of going home."
Blame it on Wednesday's group number, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” which Velez characterized to The Hollywood Reporter as a "trainwreck" and "an embarrassment," but it seems a forlorn conclusion at this point that a girl is going to win.
"Odds are scary for guys to have a chance," said Velez, the third male singer to leave the show. "The talent left is amazing. Some of the best singers I’ve ever heard. The girls have power man, that’s crazy.”
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During the conference call, Velez reflected on his time on the show and his relationship with all four judges. “Nicki Minaj is a character," he said. "It's weird never knowing what you're going to get from her. I love her as a judge but her exaggerated speaking -- Ms. Minaj, take it easy. But she is who she is.” On his final moments with Keith Urban, Velez recalled: "Keith gave me a bear hug and told me to keep going and that I’m an Idol in his eyes."
Is there a chance Velez might work with Mariah Carey or Randy Jackson again? The eighth place finisher was humbled when they told him, "If nothing happens contact them down the road.”
As for his more immediate post-Idol plans, Velez is focused on being a teenager again -- hoping to return to school and pursue the idea of attending college. His next dream, he added, is to become prom king. “Prom is June 1 so I hope the publicity doesn't get too busy," said the former homecoming king. "I want my last teenage years and want to live it up.”
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When asked if he was going to return to his part time job as a Starbucks barista, Velez replied, "I want to go back for money reasons but don’t know how it's going to work. I don’t know if I’ll be writing Caramel Macchiato on cups or signing autographs.”
That part-time schedule may be difficult to navigate with the Idol tour booked for this summer. "I'm so excited to sing with the same people but without the competition or knowing that someone goes home,” he said.
In his final comment with the press, Velez remarked: “Making Top 10 is winning for me. I'm blessed to make it this far. Leaving doesn't mean the end for Devin. I’m not changing who I am. I gave them 100 percent. As long as I have my Devineers, everything will be okay. I want you to keep voting for me in life and in everything I do.”
Twitter: @Idol_Worship
