It was the shocker of season 12 -- and not in the Ryan Seacrest way. When Angie Miller was eliminated on Thursday night, it came as a surprise to the American Idol judges, the studio audience, people on Twitter and viewers at home -- not to mention Angie Miller herself.
“It's bitter and sweet,” the 19-year-old Beverly, Mass. native told reporters after the top 3 show, which saw Candice Glover and Kree Harrison advance to the final round. “I definitely thought that with the whole hometown visit and how huge social media has been … I did feel kind of confident that I was going to make it.”
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Equally shocking: how Miller was able to maintain her composure following her elimination. Ever the pro at connecting with the cameras, she joyfully displayed her excitement for the two finalists in a slew of TV interviews -- “They're both incredible; it'll be an amazing night,” she said repeatedly -- then opened those big eyes even wider when speaking of her own hopes for the future.
“I'm really excited to start because I know that I want to make albums and be on TV shows and acting and singing more original songs and everything!” said Miller, adding that she’s especially amped to see what kind of offers come in.
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Miller said she has the judges to thank for giving her the boost. Asked what wisdom Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban left her with, Miller answered: “They all pretty much said, ‘Girl, this is not over. You're so going to do incredible things.’ Coming from them, that means everything. … They brought me here.”
As for where she goes next, there’s the summer tour, for one, and the support in knowing that her original music may one day soon be recorded. “When I think of this whole experience and people ask me what's the best moment, it's when I was able to sing ‘You Set Me Free,’ my original song,” she said. “That song and that moment will carry me on and I can't wait to record it.”
For now, Idol's second runner-up is looking forward to the simple pleasures of life: like not being critiqued by a table of stars. Said Miller: “It's gonna be cool singing full songs this coming Thursday and on the tour and not being judged. That’s a good feeling.”
Twitter: @Idol_Worship
