//American Idol Recap: Results – Seven Still Remain As The Judges Finally Cash In Their Save//

The judges have been holding on tightly to their option to save a contestant from elimination this season on American Idol.

The judges save was introduced at the beginning of season 8, which allows the judges to spare one contestant from going home for only one week. It can be used only once before the competition reaches the top five, and the following week two singer will be eliminated.

All of the rules that come with the save have meant that whomever is rewarded with the honor must really have something special. The contestant with that special something was revealed last night as Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Paula Abdul finally relinquished the save.

Tuesday night’s songs from the cinema theme night brought out the best in some contestants, while others failed to shine, but during Wednesday night’s results show, a contestant with great feedback still found himself in the bottom three.

The stools on the far left of the right of the stage is starting to be a familiar place for Anoop Desai. Joining him in the bottom three was Lil Rounds — who got into a somewhat heated exchange with Simon Tuesday after her judging — and Matt Giraud.

Even though all signs pointed to Lil getting the boot, it was Matt Giraud left to sing for his life. His performance of “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?,” which was on par with his Tuesday night performance, sent the crowd into a frenzy. They chanted for the judges to save him. It was clear what Paula and Kara wanted; the two could be seen on their feet swaying while Giraud sang. Randy also looked to be on his side, but Simon looked unsure. Finally Cowell spoke: “I don’t really see that you have really any chance of winning,” he said before the audience and other judges began to boo. “But, Matt, it’s good news.” And with that Matt broke into tears and Idol history was made.

The lucky seven will perform again next Tuesday night with a disco theme.

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