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With the passing of music icon Dick Clark, America's premiere singing competition, American Idol, honored the man who gave a start to so many of the talented artists that the show's contestants grew up listening to.

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"Everybody needs a mentor and mine, without doubt, was Dick Clark," said host Ryan Seacrest over footage from Clark's groundbreaking TV show American Bandstand.

On yesterday's episode, which aired just hours after Clark's death was announced, Ryan opened the show, saying, "We can't begin tonight's show without acknowledging the passing of a television pioneer and my dear friend, Dick Clark. Without Dick, a show like this would not exist. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to his family."

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Adding to the emotional swings of the night, Colton Dixon was sent home on Thursday, leaving the tight-knit group of friends he's made while on the show.

"I need to apologize. I wasn't myself last night and I get it," he said to the judges. "And I appreciate what you told me last night. I'll take that when I'm making a record. And I'll choose songs [that are right for me]."

"You'll make many records," Jennifer Lopez told Dixon.

Tune in to American Idol next Wednesday on FOX to watch the Top Six continue their battle for America's votes.