VIDEO: Paul McDonald Eliminated On American Idol

There was no happy ending for Paul McDonald during movie week.

The quirky 26-year-old Nashville, Tennessee native became the first guy to be sent home since the top 13 on Thursday's American Idol (the judges, last month, saved Casey Abrams from going home).

A record 53 million voters put McDonald in a bottom three that also included Stefano Langone and Haley Reinhart. McDonald, who sang Bob Seger's Old Time Rock and Roll (from the film Risky Business) on Wednesday's episode, took the loss in stride, saying "C'mon, man, let's not get sad about this," after he was eliminated.

Other highlights from Thursday's episode included performances from the show's first-ever winner, Kelly Clarkson, who sang Don't You Wanna Stay with Jason Aldean; and R&B beauty Rihanna, who sang California King Bed.

The remaining seven contestants in this year’s competition include boys Abrams, Scotty McCreery, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk and Langone; and girls Lauren Alaina and Reinhart.

American Idol returns Wednesday on Fox at 8/7c.