American Idol's Kristy Lee Cook

Cowgirl Lands in Seventh Spot

After being in the bottom three week after week, it was finally Kristy Lee Cook's turn to say adios to American Idol. The cowgirl who sold her horse to pay for her audition ticket placed 7th, three spots higher than Simon had predicted.

"It’s been kind of tough being in the bottom three, but I built up a stamina for it, got a little tougher each time, and finally learned how to control the emotions that were coming from the whole situation. But it was definitely a shock for me to go home. I wish I wouldn’t have left so soon. I wanted to make top five, but I am happy that Brooke’s still in the competition because she’s one of my best friends."

Simon Predicted I'd Be Eliminated

"I started out kind of weak. I was struggling the first three weeks because I was sick, and recovering took a while. I think I went further than he thought because I got stronger towards the end, and I was getting in the comfort zone of some of the songs that I’ve been used to.

"I was starting to come out of the shell and sing the songs that I’m comfortable with and the ones that I knew that I could sing well. He saw that a couple times, and unfortunately, it ended when I had to leave, but I thought my performance was pretty strong this past week, so I’m happy I went out on that note. I was a little disappointed to go this soon because I thought I at least had another week in me."

American Idol Wedding

"I had mentioned it to my boyfriend a long time ago about how it would be cool if we ever got married, if he would propose to me on American Idol. He was like, “There is no way I would ever get in front of that many people and do that.” But last night, it was kind of crazy because he got put on the spot, and he ended up pulling through. I don’t think he wanted to pull out of it, so he did it.

I’ve learned so much from my experience. It’s been amazing. I’ve learned all different kinds of stress levels I’ve never known in my life. I learned how to make friends and what singers go through to perform every week and learn songs every week and sing in front of thousands or millions of people."