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'American Idol' Contestants Open Up About Motown Night

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Mar. 24 2011, Published 3:03 p.m. ET

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Sure, they may have crooned Motown on stage last night on American Idol, but the Top 11 contestants had a lot on their mind! Find out what the contestants dished in the green room — what Jacob Lusk thought of Steven Tyler's hug, first impressions of meeting Gordon Ramsay and getting by with a little help from Marc Anthony.

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When Steven got out of his chair and onto the stage to hug Jacob this was the second time a judge has done that in Idol history! Jacob recalls, "It was all kind of a blur, I really couldn't hear." Plus, he was overwhelmed and physically exhausted from grieving a few deaths in his family and some close friends who passed away, too. "It was nice to be back because my last few weeks have been really, really rough. Really, really rough. So it was nice to be back in my groove and to know that they were supporting me was really amazing."

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In addition to that touching moment, last night's show had several notable highlights including Paul and Stefano performing songs which other contestants previously crooned on Idol! Did they think about how fans might react? Paul certainly didn't. "I've been out of the Idol loop for a long time. Ever. So, I’m learning about all this American Idol stuff as we go along. I’m like, ‘Oh, cool, this is what happens.' It’s like a daily surprise for me. But, that’s a good idea. Maybe I’ll look back on previous performances for next week."

Stefano feels the same way. "I didn’t know Dave Cook performed it, but you just go out with what you have and bring your element to the game."

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As they head into the Top 10 next week, was anyone nervous during Motown night? Casey wasn't nervous because his "throat's a little weird right now" but he was afraid he wasn't going to be up to par. "And, it was my first time trying in-ears, but Marc Anthony really helped out." Then Naima adds, "It wasn’t our first time trying in-ears, it was our first time understanding in-ears."

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Performing aside, let's not forget about celebrity sightings! When asked if they met any of the celebrities this week, they all responded in unison: "Gordon Ramsay." Apparently the man's handshake is quite firm as James points out, "He almost broke my hand." Haley adds, "That's the only way you can have it."

Gordon must've been a little hungry when he tried Stefano's mom's food. So, what exactly did he eat? "I'm not sure," he says. "I guess she just brought in a Tupperware. It was probably pasta and a lot of garlic."

Reporting by Jennifer Birn

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