Hilo-born BryantTadeo was eliminated from "American Idol" during Thursday night’s sudden-death round in Las Vegas to pick the final 10 male contestants. His rendition of Billy Joel‘s "New York State of Mind" was a crowd favorite during the pre-taped show but didn’t sway the judges.

"When I watched the show last night and heard my performance, I thought (the song) captured the tone and register of my voice," said Tadeo. "And (judge) KeithUrban agreed with that. He loved it."

But it was fellow judge Nicki Minaj — the Fox TV show’s most polarizing figure — who delivered the most biting comment. After first saying that she loved Tadeo’s final falsetto and vocal run on the song, Minaj bluntly added, "I didn’t like anything else."

RandyJackson and MariahCarey echoed Minaj’s comments, albeit more diplomatically.

"It’s always hard getting comments not in your favor after pouring your heart out in front of millions," Tadeo said. "I understand what Randy said, that while he loved the beginning, I never quite went there again. And when Mariah said that I got a little bit lost, I agree. I got a little bit excited. I respect all the criticism of the judges, and I’ll take it and build on it.

"The energy in the arena was high. Even though it’s been a crazy experience, the reaction from the crowd after the first bar of the song was ridiculous. You could tell I was a clear favorite with them."

This was Tadeo’s second try to become an "American Idol." Last season he advanced past the initial auditions but did not make it as far as he did this year.

He said will be returning to his job as a Target store salesclerk in Las Vegas, where he lives.

"Now that people can see what I can do, I’m going to get a piece of paper and write down what I want to do from here on in. It’s all about honing my craft. I’m thinking about taking vocal classes, something I haven’t done before," he said. "It’s going to be a steady climb. I’m going for it. I’m definitely not stopping singing.

"And I appreciate the love and support from the people of Hawaii. I wouldn’t have coped as well as I have without them."

See a video of Tadeo’s performance at hono­lulu­pulse.com.