Author: Sophie Schillaci

Michael Becker / FOX

CJ Harris wasn’t the only one moved to tears by his American Idol elimination.

Jennifer Lopez, who took a special liking to Harris early in the competition, also turned on the waterworks Thursday night. But before she and her glittering gown exited the stage, the “I Luh Ya Papi” singer offered Harris a big hug and a few consoling words.

“She told me that I got a really good soul and I just got to keep chasing my music career,” Harris said following the taping. “That I’ll be successful as long as I want it.”

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Season 13: Meet the Top 10 Singers

Thursday night found Harris in the bottom two alongside fellow Alabama native Jessica Meuse, but the 23-year-old roots rocker said that he “had a feeling” he was on his way home. “There was something about the day, something about the way they were messing with my microphone,” he confessed. “I could just tell.”

But for Harris, home is a pretty good place to be. His young son will be waiting for him there, where Harris predicts they’ll collaborate on some new music.

“He’ll probably just sit on my lap and strum on my guitar like he always does. He loves to play guitar and sing and beat the back of the seat like he’s playing drums,” Harris said. “I can’t wait.”

STORY: ‘American Idol’ Recap: A Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock and Roll and a Grumpy Cat

As for those of you anxiously awaiting Idol’s annual summer tour, expect to hear some more powerhouse jams from Harris. “When I’m singing real strong and soulful is where I’m at the best point of my voice,” he said. “When I’m singing down low, I can’t get it out. That’s the way the Zac Brown [Band] song started… I definitely learned from it.”

While the setlist remains to be finalized, Harris is hoping to show the world what he had planned for next week’s show: “I was gonna go with ‘Drift Away’ by Dobie Gray and it was gonna be good.”

For more on Thursday’s elimination episode, click over to THR’s complete recap. 

Twitter: @Idol_Worship; @sophieschillaci

Michael Becker / FOX

Sam Woolf has no interest in being an American Idol’s eye candy.

Wednesday’s broadcast kicked off with new nicknames for each of the six remaining contestants. To name names: “The Hard Rocker” (Caleb Johnson), “The Rebel” (Jessica Meuse), “The Roots Rocker” (CJ Harris), “The Troubadour” (Alex Preston), “The Wildcard” (Jena Irene) and “The Heartthrob” (Woolf).

In his first Idol appearance since celebrating his 18th birthday, Woolf delivered two strong performances on “Country and Rock ’n’ Roll” night (Imagine Dragons’ “It’s Time” and Shania Twain’s country classic, “Still The One”). But after the show, Woolf was less than thrilled with his new label.

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Season 13: Meet the Top 10 Singers

‘I just don’t think I was placed under that category before this competition, so I don’t think I should be placed under it now,” he told reporters of the heartthrob title. “It’s weird.”

Weirdness aside, the fan favorite is happy to be flying solo after turning 18. His grandparents have since returned home and Dexter Roberts’ former roommate Harris has moved in. “He’s awesome,” Woolf says of his new roomie.

So how did Woolf ring in his big day? “Cupcakes,” he says (vanilla is his favorite) and a special gift via snail mail. “A fan sent me a hat,” he revealed. “Someone gave me a hat in the mail.”

STORY: ‘American Idol’: Dexter Roberts on Shower Songs, Taylor Hicks and David Cook’s Advice

But Woolf got a belated birthday surprise on Wednesday (coincidentally, Johnson’s birthday) when he crossed paths with David Gray in the Idols’ Hollywood hotel. “It made my day 10 times better,” Woolf gushed. “I flipped out. He was eating breakfast, I was walking out and I said ‘hi’ to him. I was star struck.”

No wonder — Woolf previously sang Gray’s “Babylon” and “Sail Away” during the show’s Top 31 and Top 7, respectively.

For more on Wednesday’s performances (plus a Grumpy Cat appearance!), click over to THR’s complete recap.

Twitter: @sophieschillaci

Frank Micelotta / FOX

Is Dexter Roberts the next reality TV phenom?

The latest American Idol castoff told reporters on Thursday that — after a few days of well-deserved rest and relaxation — he hopes to one day have his own hunting show.

“That’s my dream,” he mused. “[My] big dream.”

Alas, the Alabama native wouldn’t be on the hunt for criminals or fellow Idol contestants, he’d be channeling his inner Duck Dynasty, tracking ducks, turkeys and whitetails instead.

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Season 13: Meet the Top 10 Singers

“I told my mom if I get kicked off [Idol] sometime, I’m going to get a teepee and go into the woods and just live in the woods for a few days,” Roberts said, “just to get away from the city. I’m all about staying in the woods, outdoors and stuff.”

Next up for Roberts is Idol‘s summer tour, which he’ll prep for as he pursues a singing and songwriting career in Nashville. Asked when he’d be getting in contact with Florida Georgia Line (the duo reached out and offered their congratulations to the country singer when he covered their hit “Cruise” in the Top 10), Roberts laughed. “Probably right after this interview, when I get my phone charged!”

STORY: ‘American Idol’: Keith Urban on Season 13’s Inconsistency and Country Music Appeal

Let’s not forget about that Keith Urban country connection, which could certainly prove useful if Roberts plays his cards right. During his time on the show, the 22-year-old said that Urban’s best words of wisdom were “to go out there and have fun; just connect with the audience more. That’s what I’m gonna try and do on tour.”

Meanwhile, back at Idol, Roberts is counting on fellow prankster Sam Woolf to keep the behind-the-scenes antics going strong. That is, until that tour kicks off on June 24.

“I didn’t get to do one last [prank], but on the tour he is getting it,” Roberts teased.

Hey, Sam, you might want to watch your back.

Twitter: @SophieSchillaci