Another Idol favorite almost went home too soon.

American Idol producers made it clear that a shocking news was coming up on Thursday's results show. Host Ryan Seacrest called two contestants at a time, but their fate was not immediately revealed.

Instead, it was a deja vu of Idol contestants being grouped to the left and to the right, but Ryan would not reveal which group is safe until the last few minutes of the show.

Hollie Cavanagh and Jessica Sanchez were the first pair to be called. The former sang like an ice queen, the latter, like a pro who seemed she's got it all together last night. They were split to start off two groups on either side of the stage.

Phillip Phillips and Elise Testone were up next. Mentor Jimmy Lovine predicted both of them would be in the bottom three tonight. He said a Dave Matthews type of artist should not be heard singing a Maroon 5 title. To make matters worse, Phillip gave quite a mediocre performance compared to his own previous numbers in the past several weeks.

As for Elise, her performance last night was impressive, but she has not been a consistent favorite of the voters. Phillip was asked to join Hollie, and Elise was sent to Jessica's side. With two strong contenders who have not been in the bottom three now grouped apart, who will be safe, and who will be saved?

At this point, the audience already knew the judges will definitely use their single save for the season.

Colton Dixon and Joshua Ledet were called next. Colton seemed to have made several steps ahead of Phillip last night, while Joshua's performance was a standout for both vocal range and "concert energy." Joshua was sent to join Elise and Jessica; Colton joined Phillip and Hollie.

Skylar Laine did not have to wait long; she learned right away that she was safe. But which group was she supposed to join? Ryan revealed the other 'safe' contestants were Phillip, Colton and Hollie.

"This is a ridiculous bottom three," Idol judge Randy Jackson said.

Joshua was the first to be asked to join the safe group, leaving almost-consistent bottom three contestant Elise and first-timer Jessica on stage.

The studio audience had gone wild.

"The judges will vote after you sing," Ryan told Jessica.

Jessica started to sing but she was clearly overwhelmed by emotions. She has gotten too close. Idol judge Jennifer Lopez went up the stage to stop Jessica from singing. Randy and Steven Tyler followed, visibly upset by the results.

"We are saving Jessica, without any doubt!" Randy then announced to the audience. "This girl is one of the best singers in America! Ever! Are you kidding me! Everybody, please vote for the best! Come on!"

And that is how an Idol favorite was saved on Season 11 of American Idol. The Top 7 returns next week for another round, but this time the judges will no longer be able to save anyone on the show. Phillip Phillips and Colton Dixon are the only contestants who have not landed in the bottom three. Is this a sign of another may-the-best-man-win in the finals?

American Idol Jennifer Lopez