American Idol season 10 star, Stefano Langone, who was a regular in this season bottom 3, naturally accepted his elimination last week. The 21 year-old said goodbye to the competition with a performance of “Lately”, while a visibly upset fellow Idol hopeful James Durbin stormed off the stage.

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In an interview for People (read below), Stefano explained that he and James have a very strong connection since they have been roommates since Hollywood week and helped each other through the competition. Stefano will be James’ best man at his wedding!

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When asked about his rumored crush on Pia Toscano, whose elimination was labeled as one of the most shocking in Idol history, Stefano says there’s nothing going on between them, but he did not mention what sort of relationship he has with Haley Reinhart. Haley reportedly started hooking up with Casey Abrams after she was rejected by Stefano.

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Anyhow, Stefano also became really good friends with judge Jennifer Lopez’s husband Mark Anthony, who offered him great support when people tried to bring him down following Pia’s elimination.

Stefano Langone’s American Idol Elimination Interview Below

What did you say to your father after your elimination?
My dad was heart broken. I said, “Dad I’m fine. It will be great and it’s going to be okay … Now he wants me to do what I do best, which is hustling and staying relevant and making sure I’m on top of my game at all times.

Talk about your friendship with James Durbin.
We were roommates and we’ve been together in Hollywood from the beginning. We are brothers and I’m going to be best man at his wedding and we got so close and we helped each other with everything. I’d hear his song and I’d say, “I don’t like that part,” or “Sing this differently.” We helped each other musically and in our personal lives … We have really special bond, like brothers.

Did you have a crush on Pia?
No, me and Pia took a couple of pictures and once that happened – boom! – everyone was talking and it was how it goes. So was it good? Well, any publicity is good publicity, so we weren’t complaining about it. The truth is we have huge respect for each other … She’s having fun with Mark [Ballas]. I don’t what’s going on. She is going to do great and I’m proud of her. Mark seems like a cool dude.

Are you dating anyone?
I’m single and very happy, but I am mingling and having fun. But worrying about my music is number one and like I said, I will be hustling in these streets. You will see me.

What about your relationship with Jennifer Lopez and her husband Mark Anthony?
It was mainly Mark – he took me under his wing. I sound like a brother to him. Mainly, he helped me with my confidence and he said, “Don’t listen to the B.S. You got this and got something special,” and I took it to heart … I respect them so much as people and musicians.

What’s Next?
I want to do collaborations with rappers. When I was living in Seattle I would do hooks and choruses for rappers. Collaborations like B.o.B and Bruno Mars did. I did a Stevie Wonder song [Thursday] night – in his key. I have that range. It’s like Stevie Wonder and John Legend, especially when I get behind that piano. That’s where I want to go with it.

How did American Idol change you?
It’s made me a potential star in music industry. That’s huge for me – everything.

[source: People]