The "American Idol" judges saved Jasmine Murray once, but they weren't willing to give her yet another chance.

The Columbus, Mississippi, wild-card contestant brought her pageant poise to a performance of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There," but the judges (and America) wanted her to loosen up a bit, sending her packing along with Jorge Nuñez. So what's next? We caught up with the 16-year-old to talk about the big twist revealed during the results show, what the judges said to her after she was eliminated and more.

Q: What did the judges say to you after the show?

A: They were just encouraging me to keep going and keep singing, which I'm so glad they did. They were so nice. I'm definitely going to keep singing and keep trying to pursue my dream.

Q: What do you think about the judges' new "save" option?

A: I think that's actually a good idea. Amongst other things they've gotten to do this year — the top 36 and wild card and the top 13 — I think it's great. They're giving people extra chances to get closer to reaching their dreams, and I think it's a great idea.

Q: Were you hopeful that the judges would give you another chance?

A: You never know in this kind of competition, because the wild card ... it was just unbelievable that they picked me for that. You always have to have hope and you have to have faith and believe that it could happen, and there was a possible chance. They could've said yes, but they didn't, and it's OK. I understand. They know what they want for the competition, and they probably wanted to save it.

Q: What did it feel like having to perform again for the judges after you found out you were in the bottom two?

A: It felt like any other time that I've performed and they've judged me. I was just happy to be back onstage. That stage is just so amazing. The lights and the audience — it's amazing the energy you get from being up there. And being able to perform that one last time up there was so great for me, and I'm glad I got to do it.

Q: What's next?

A: After this, I've gotta finish high school, because I'm a junior in high school. I'm gonna go to college, definitely, and pursue music. I really want to have a career in music and maybe other things, but this is really where my heart is.

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