In one of the most shocking eliminations in show history, the American Idol viewers voted off stand-out Pia Toscano. 
Despite being a favorite of judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson, she garnered the lowest amount of votes. And since the judges already used their one save to keep the talented but odd Casey Abrams, there was nothing they could do.
So, bye bye, Pia.
Sort of.
By making the Top 10, she’s guaranteed a spot in the lucrative annual concert tour. She’ll continue to make business under the American Idol banner and has been the beneficiary of hours of nationwide TV exposure.
Know why I’m so confident her talent can rise above a reality show injustice?
Chris Daughtry.
Perhaps my favorite contestant the show has ever had, he was also cut too early in his season. Should I mention his countless hit records that came after American Idol? He’s become a legitimate rock star and hitmaker, crossing between light rock, hard rock, alternative, pop and country. Versatile, popular, successful.
Pia, use Daughtry as an example.
And if you don’t want to follow the rocker, may I mention Jennifer Hudson? While she only made it to 7th place, she has gone on to become one of reality TV’s true success stories. She’s won an Oscar, a Grammy, a Golden Globe and more. She’s a pop culture touchstone (not quite an icon yet), product endorser and an all-around entertainer.
Being released from Idol isn’t the end…just the beginning.
Bonus – here is Pia’s farewell song, “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders:
(Mar…
jennifer hudson. enough said.