Paul McDonald Sent Home on Tonight’s ‘American Idol’

Even though Randy Jackson said that America witnessed "the first number at the Paul McDonald concert" with last night's performance of Bob Seger's 'Old Time Rock 'n' Roll,' the voters disagreed, as the bearded, blonde singer was voted off on tonight's elimination episode of 'American Idol.'

It's a bum out, since McDonald really began to blossom in the late stage of the competition, especially with his searing take on Johnny Cash's 'Folsom Prison Blues,' which was easily one of the best performances of last week.

Accompanying McDonald in the bottom three were Haley Reinhart and Stefano Langone, both of whom are quite familiar with that uncomfortable position. It was anyone's spot to lose, and we're sad to see McDonald go. Steven Tyler once referred to him as a "cool dude in a loose mood," and McDonald's effortless ability to rock should garner him plenty of attention from A&R reps off the 'Idol' stage.

McDonald bowed out gracefully, though. Judge Jennifer Lopez requested that Rod Stewart's 'Maggie May' be his swan song, and McDonald happily and graciously obliged. McDonald's raspy voice is so similar to Stewart's that his version of the song was a truly a modern update of a rock classic.

Good luck, Paul! You'll be missed.

Watch Paul McDonald's Performance of 'Old Time Rock 'n' Roll' From Wednesday Night