"American Idol" David Archuleta Cries When Fellow Contestant Leaves

March 3, 2008 2:22 p.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - "American Idol" frontrunner David Archuleta had an unusual reaction to contestant Alexandrea Lushington being voted off the second week of the show. Breaking down in tears, the cameras focused on the crying Archuleta as Lushington sang her farewell song.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lushington talked about Archuleta's reaction and said the two of them go back four years when they both appeared on "Star Search."

Lushington, 17, from Douglasville, Georgia, said she and Archuleta bumped into each other again during Hollywood week and quickly grew close and that was why he was so sad to see her voted off.

Lushington was also sad to go, but hopes her exposure on "American Idol" will lead to something positive for her singing career.