In what seems like typical Amber Fleury fashion, the Idol hopeful remained composed while everyone around her reacted with shock to the news of her elimination.

Unruffled as she may have looked, Fleury says it took a lot of strength to get through that moment, which she admits came as a surprise.

"This was the first time that I've actually felt relaxed and I didn't let anything get to me," she says about her performance of Cher's "Just like Jesse James".

"That's why it was such a shock to me that I was the one that got eliminated. I guess everything happens for a reason."

While the singer's vocal talent was never in question – as proven by the judges' glowing comments – Fleury thinks song choice may have been her downfall. However, like an artist who stays true to her vision, she is unapologetic.

"I like to choose songs that are near and dear to me because I feel like I can go out and perform those types of songs better than just the crowd-pleasers," says the 26-year-old.

"That was the one promise that I made to myself when I came in to the Top 10. I was going to be myself. I wasn't going to change for anybody so I think I did that."

Criticized for staying within the boundaries of the ballad during the competition, the Calgary resident admits it's often hard to step out of the genre.

"It's not that I've always only done ballads but it is difficult because those are my favourite songs to sing."

Although the judges didn't think she elevated her performance during '80s night, Fleury feels it's all just a matter of opinion.

"I thought I was stepping it up this week, whereas the judges didn't. Everybody's version of what stepping it up means is different."

Unfortunately for the Idols, they can only hope their actions on stage will have more impact on voters than the judges who always have the privilege of delivering the last word.

That's why it was crucial for Fleury to remain focused and steadfast, despite admittedly reeling from the shock and heartbreak of elimination, as she prepared to give her farewell performance.

"I couldn't look at my mom. I couldn't look at the other competitors," she says for fear of breaking down in tears.

"All I wanted to do was say a gracious goodbye and thank you to Canada because they're the ones who have gotten me here and without their support I never could've done this."

But Fleury also saw the opportunity as her last chance to prove something to the judges.

"I really wanted to sing that song without crying halfway through. I wanted to sing it and show the judges that I am strong."

"I wanted them to, maybe, even regret saying some of the things they said to me on Tuesday night. That might be a spiteful thing to say but that's one thing I really wanted to accomplish."

Eye on Idol