Elise Testone Eliminated on 'Idol'

Local soul singer Elise Testone has been eliminated from the popular "American Idol" competition.

Testone exited the show singing Led Zepplin's "Whole Lotta Love." Ironically it was the lack of love that cost Testone the competition.

She struggled week after week to win over "Idol's" young viewership, and she found herself at risk for elimination five times over the show's 11th season.

This week, the judges gave Testone a mixed review for her performances of songs by Queen and Jimmy Hendrix. Show mentor and music industry executive Jimmy Iovine, however, did not temper his criticism.

"Elise has a problem," Iovine said. "She is a great singer that makes bad song choices."

Testone, a Kinnelon, N.J., native who became a staple on Charleston's live music scene in recent years, was known for her soulful performances. But judges warned her to sing songs that would resonate with viewers.

At 28, Testone was the oldest singer still in the competition. Compared to the other finalists, she had the fewest number of Twitter followers and Facebook fans, signs that she wasn't forming a fan base.

Read more about Testone's performances on "Idol."

On Thursday, Testone found herself facing elimination alongside Hollie Cavanagh, the 18-year-old Texan with Enlgish roots.

To close, she sang the classic Led Zepplin "Whole Lotta Love," the same song credited with saving her earlier in the competition.

Though she has been eliminated, Testone will still tour nationally with the competition's Top 10 finalists.

These contestants remain in the competition: Hollie Cavanagh, 18, of McKinney, Texas; Skylar Laine, 18, of Brandon, Miss.; Joshua Ledet, 19, of Westlake, La.; Jessica Sanchez, 16, of San Diego; and Phillip Phillips, 21 of Leesburg, Ga.