Jermaine Jones Dismissed From 'American Idol'
As expected, American Idol hopeful Jermaine Jones was eliminated from the competition tonight after being confronted by the show's executive producers about his criminal past.
'Idol' Disqualifies Contestant for Criminal Past?
At the top of the show, Idol host Ryan Seacrest teased the announcement, confirming that due to obligations with law enforcement, producers were left with "no choice" but to cut a mystery contestant from the pool of Idol finalists.
The cameras were rolling as executive producers Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe staged a three-way meeting with the "gentle giant" to clear the air on the rumors.
"There are four active warrants out for you…which surprised us to be truthful," said Warwick to Jones, who remained stoic throughout the tense meeting. "You did know that you were incumbent to tell us the truth about all of this and it appears that you haven't on any level."
Jessica Sanchez Stuns with Whitney Houston Cover
Jermaine was given the forum to explain why he concealed his past to which he said he was too "scared" and "nervous" to fess up when it came down to it. "I didn't want to get judged, I didn't want to get penalized for anything that happened in the past. I was just hoping I could just pay it and you know, get it taken care of. And this didn't work out that way."
As If there was any confusion as to where the conversation was headed, Warwick told Jones in the plainest of words that he was dismissed from the show effective immediately. "We're going to have to let you go," he said. "I'm sorry, it's the end of the road."
According to TMZ, the 25-year-old singer was charged with crimes in 2011 and allegedly provided false information to the police.
Yesterday, Jones wrote a message via Twitter which has since been deleted, that he would no longer participate in the singing competition. "Awww I will no longer b on the show," wrote Jermaine, confirming the internet rumors swirling earlier in the day.