'American Idol's' Casey Abrams Creates Buzz as Stefano Langone Gets Eliminated

Casey Abrams performs on an episode of "American Idol" that aired Wednesday, April 20, 2011. (Michael Becker/Fox)

If one "American Idol" contestant has the rest beat in terms of buzz, it's Casey Abrams.

Adams survived elimination from the singing competition as Stefano Langone was booted Thursday after receiving the least number of votes from viewers.

Before Adams was told he was safe, he showed off a painting of him and his dog created by a fan. He also admitted that he intended to "breathe" in judge Jennifer Lopez's face and not kiss her.

The rocker made waves Wednesday night when he sealed his performance of Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe" with a kiss on Lopez's cheek.

"Casey's got soft lips," Lopez said. "I loved it – the performance!"

Still, some wondered if Abrams' act of kissing up crossed the line of acceptable "Idol" judge/contestant behavior.

Michael Becker/Fox

Casey Abrams performs on an episode of... View Full Size

Michael Becker/Fox

Casey Abrams performs on an episode of "American Idol" that aired Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

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"Kissing the judge, jury tampering, hello!" Joy Behar said on Thursday's edition of ABC's daytime talk show "The View." "That's kind of iffy," added Behar's fellow co-host, Sherri Shepherd.

Abrams, 20, has raised more than a few eyebrows throughout the competition. According to In Touch magazine, he's dating fellow contestant Haley Reinhart.

"Most of their downtime is spent together and they have a very touchy-feely relationship," an "Idol" insider told In Touch. "They're always lying on each other when they're around the other contestants and everybody thinks they're hooking up."

Abrams' "Idol" run has been dramatic from the start. In March, he seemed on the verge of breaking down after judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson saved him from elimination.

Prior to that, he missed an "Idol" show because he needed to be hospitalized for a blood transfusion stemming from his ulcerative colitis condition.