As the race to the American Idol semifinals gets even tighter, one Top 5 finalist is still struggling to process the shocking elimination of Brooks Rosser and revealed the final thing Brooks did before heading home.

American Idol contestant Chris Tungseth opened up after surviving the April 27 results show, where both Brooks Rosser and Daniel Stallworth were sent home following the Top 7 performances.

Chris was the last contestant announced safe that night, officially earning one of the final Top 5 spots. While the moment should have been filled with celebration, he admitted it was mixed with heartbreak because two of his closest friends in the competition were leaving.

“I was excited and grateful,” Chris said. “But I was also devastated.”

The Minnesota singer explained that Brooks had become one of his strongest friendships during the show, especially during the long weeks away from home in Los Angeles.

“We do have days off, so I try to get out and go for walks with Brooks,” Chris shared. “He’s become my best buddy on the show.”

That made the elimination even harder to accept.

Chris said he was genuinely shocked when Ryan Seacrest announced his name instead of Brooks’, especially with the semifinals just around the corner and only two weeks left before the May 11 finale.

“I really wanted to see him succeed,” he admitted.

Then he revealed one last emotional detail from that night: before Brooks flew home, he came to Chris’ hotel room for one final hangout.

“Brooks came to my room last night and we hung out and chatted,” Chris said. “He flew home this morning.”

It was a quiet but meaningful goodbye between two contestants who had spent weeks supporting each other through one of the most intense experiences of their lives.

Brooks later reflected on his elimination during the official Idol podcast with Danielle Fishel, admitting he never expected to make it as far as he did.

“I did not think I would make it this far,” Brooks said. “I was so surprised I even got the golden ticket, so I’m just so happy I made it this far. It’s been such a good journey.”

He also said he felt proud of how far he had come and praised the judges for supporting him both on and off camera.

“They all just gave me a hug and said, ‘This is not the end at all,’” Brooks shared.

Even after his elimination, Brooks made it clear he was leaving with strong friendships. He said he stayed especially close with Braden Rumfelt and Chris, while also continuing his relationship with fellow contestant Rae Boyd, whom he is now dating.

For Chris, however, the moment still feels surreal. Not only did he reach the Top 5, but he also became the first contestant from Minnesota to do so in the show’s 24-season history.

Still, instead of focusing only on winning, he remains emotional about the people who are no longer standing beside him on that stage.

As semifinal night approaches, Chris may be fighting for a place in the finale, but his final memory with Brooks proves that for many contestants, friendship matters just as much as the competition.