'My Journey Does Not Finish Here': LI's Guardino Exits 'American Idol'

PATCHOGUE, NY — On a Mother's Day Sunday episode of "American Idol" Patchogue's Christian Guardino gave his final performance. The Long Island singer survived weeks of rounds of cuts to make it to the final seven contestants, but fell short of cracking the top five.

"Thank you all so much for your outpouring of love and support but know that I am totally fine," the 21-year-old Guardino wrote on social media.

"I am so grateful for this entire experience. Being on American Idol for the 20th season has been a huge blessing. I have learned so much, grown as an artist & gained new family for life and I get to perform with the legend Michael Bublé."

Guardino overcame a medical condition that threatened blindness and became a judge favorite on the show, drawing accolades each week.

On Sunday's show, he sang "Dear God," a song he dedicated to his mother, Beth Guardino, who appeared on the episode.

Before his elimination, Guardino learned he would be performing with Michael Bublé on the season finale.

Although many fans of Guardino voiced their disappointment with the outcome, Guardino himself took the high road on his statement to his supporters.

"My journey does not finish here—as a matter of fact, I am more on fire and ready to fight for my spot in music than ever so keep watching and listening. New music coming real soon."