Paul McDonald’s GF Nikki Reed ‘Pumped’ About His ‘Idol’ Elimination

Like many 'American Idol' fans, 'Twilight' star Nikki Reed was filled with tears after Paul McDonald was eliminated on Thursday. Though, hers were tears of joy -- the actress says she is "pumped" that her boyfriend (officially!) has been kicked off.

"She is actually pumped," Paul tells People. "She said, 'Dude, you finally get to do your thing and be yourself and be the artist you are.' She is happy about the whole situation. She has been nothing but cool to me."

Paul, who fronted the Nashville band the Grand Magnolias before being shipped off to Hollywood, is now officially dating the 22-year-old silver screen star. Not only has he booked himself a pretty lady, being on 'Idol' will inevitably help his career as an artist, too.

"I have this other side that I didn't even start to show," he says. "I play keys. It's hard to do in a minute and a half of a cover song so I'm looking forward to doing my own thing and getting creative again." Since he's been in L.A. for a few months, the pearly-white-toothed hopeful says he'd had to send songs home to his bandmates -- and he admits that things may change a bit now that he's a star. "I might have to release a solo album first," he reveals. "But I'd like to have the guys play on the record."

While he does discredit himself for not taking more time to learn covers for 'Idol,' McDonald says he's pleased with the outcome. "I'm really, really happy about the way that I went out."

Too bad 'Breaking Dawn' is already filming -- we think McDonald would make a great werewolf!