Pictured is Point Pleasant native Chase Likens, performing “Storm Warning” on season 11 of American Idol.

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HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Thousands of votes were counted, and unfortunately it wasn’t enough to put Chase Likens among the top 13 contestants on American Idol.

On Thursday night, millions of fans, including many local residents, tuned in to find out the fate of the 25 semi-finalists. Host Ryan Seacrest stated over 33 million votes were counted in deciding the top 10, and then the three celebrity judges would pick six other contestants to compete for three “wild card” spots, completing the top 13. But Point Pleasant local Chase Likens, along with 11 other contestants are no longer moving forward in the competition this time around.

On Tuesday’s episode of American Idol, Likens performed alongside the other 12 male semi-finalists, and sang “Storm Warning” by Hunter Hayes. Following his performance, the celebrity judges seemed positive in their comments.

“Welcome to American Idol, cowboy,” said judge Steven Tyler.

“You’ve got the movie star good looks for sure, but you sounded great tonight, as well,” judge Jennifer Lopez said. “Tonight is about showing America who you are, and you definitely did that with that song. I look forward to seeing where you go.”

“You definitely have range,” said veteran judge Randy Jackson. “You’re ready dude. You’re ready.”

In an interview following the reveal of the top 24, Likens attempted to explain how he felt when he learned he had made it to that stage.

“Happiness, excitement, awe,” Likens said. “I was awestruck. There were just no words to describe it.”

He went on to talk about what America will see from him in the future, and many will surely agree that it applies to his future outside of American Idol, as well.

“You can expect to see a lot of high energy performances from me,” Likens said. “A lot of cross-over country-type music.” He went on to compare his performances with those of Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts — bands that are technically “country,” but cross over into pop music as well.

Likens’ mother, Jodi, also traveled to Hollywood this week to support her son. She previously shared her excitement with the Point Pleasant Register.

“It’s such an honor to have gotten as far as he has,” Jodi Likens said about Chase making it to the top 24.

After last night’s results, his mother, and the rest of his family, friends and fans here in Mason County and the surrounding area, are no doubt proud of him and excited that he made it as far as he did.

Likens previously auditioned for season ten of American Idol, and made it to the top 120 contestants. Locally, Likens has been performing since he was five years old. He began at an elementary school talent show, and has continued to perform at numerous venues in several different states. He was the 2008 Jackson County Colgate Country Showdown winner, a two-time Ariel Jr. Idol, Jackson County Jr. Fair Idol, and a regular performer at the Ohio Valley Opry in McConnellsville, Ohio. He was also able to perform with Lady Antebellum at the Jackson County Fair in 2008.

As with any other previous Idol contestant, it all comes down to America’s votes, and unfortunately, it wasn’t enough this time. Even though he will not be continuing on American Idol this season, it is almost certain that Likens will continue performing — either here in Point Pleasant and the surrounding region, or maybe again someday in Hollywood.