'I couldn't be more grateful': Emyrson Flora thankful for 'American Idol' journey

The ride of a lifetime ended for Emyrson Flora on "American Idol" Sunday night.

Some 20 million voters texted in during the show, but the Walsh Jesuit junior was among the bottom three vote getters and was eliminated.

It had been quite a run for the Reminderville teen, who tried out for the show during Nashville auditions on a whim in December.

She survived numerous rounds of cuts and had made it to the Top 10.

But on a night where the contestants had to sing songs from the Disney catalog, her performance of Brandi Carlile's "Carried Me With You" from "Onward" was not enough to sway voters.

Emyrson Flora: Exclusive interview with American Idol contestant from Walsh Jesuit

Flora took to social media Monday to thank her fans and supporters during her journey.

"It’s super hard for me to express how much this experience has meant to me," she said. "I’ve met my family. I’ve learned so much every single day from start to finish."

The support of the judges and even fellow contestants, she said, made the experience a positive one.

"I’ve learned so much about myself and my craft," she said. "I’ve learned that I can do this. I love this so much and I’m so lucky I’ve gotten the chance to do it."

Flora also said it is "cool" that she is now the youngest contestant to ever make it to the Top 10.

Flora, along with the other contestants, were mentored by "Dancing with the Stars" alum Derek Hough and had a chance to tour Disneyland before Sunday's live show.

Hough told Flora before her performance to simply relax on stage and connect with the audience.

The show opened with a group number of "We don't talk about Bruno" by all of the 10 contestants before the individual performances and eventual eliminations.

Judge Luke Bryan impressed

Flora's youth and relative inexperience performing before appearing on the show was the theme of the night among the judges.

Flora, who took up singing around 8 years old, has said she never had any professional mentoring before the show aside from some online courses amid the pandemic.

She only performed before her family and on some videos she shared with friends.

More: Five things you may or may not know about 'American Idol' contestant Emyrson Flora

Flora for the first time plans to take choir in her senior year at Walsh Jesuit in Cuyahoga Falls.

Judge Luke Bryan said every time Flora takes the stage he has to remind himself that she's just 16 years old.

"You're a superstar in my opinion," he said.

Each performance, judge Katy Perry said, is a learning experience.

"You've come so far," she said.

Judge Lionel Richie said every time Flora performed her voice sounded "spectacular" and her confidence and stage presence grew.

"Just enjoy the ride," he said. "Enjoy the fun of it."

Flora is expected to return to Northeast Ohio later this week and could return to Hollywood to make a guest appearance on Idol's final show.

The show airs Sunday and Monday nights at 8 on ABC and Hulu.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: American Idol eliminates 3 singers, including Emyrson Flora