Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens shed many tears on Wednesday night when they were eliminated from American Idol 9, but they were all smiles for the press junket the next day. Both former contestants are looking forward to the future, which will soon be filled by the Idol summer tour.

Speaking of the tour, Andrew Garcia hopes to “write a song on tour” with Lee DeWyze. The two became BFF during their time on the show.

Before she goes out on tour, Katie Stevens is going to “go back home, hang out with my friends and keep up with school so that I can graduate and get my diploma.”

Though she was emotional on stage, a few words of wisdom helped dry Katie’s eyes after all was said and done. “My mom said to me afterward, ‘Katie, when you were at the stadium, if they told you, “We’re gonna let you be on the show, but you’re only going to make it to the eighth spot” would you have done it?’ and I said, absolutely.”

Andrew Garcia does not begrudge the fact that no judges’ save remained at the time of his elimination, saying the judges “couldn’t have made a better save” than Michael Lynche. “That guy is a warrior.”

Both ousted contestants plan to pursue their careers in music. Andrew also excitedly reports that soon, he’ll be popping the big question to his girlfriend.

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