Jennifer Lopez cries as she picks Jeremy Rosado for AI wildcard

CEBU, Philippines - Jennifer Lopez broke down in tears after Jeremy Rosado sang his heart out for one of the show's three wild card spots.

The 42-year-old judge almost couldn't speak after Rosado performed a heart-wrenching rendition of Carrie Underwood's 'I Know You Won't.'

He sweetly and very earnestly told the judges: “This is my dream, man. I may not have been able to show you guys on Tuesday what I can do but I promise you if you do this for me, you won't regret it.”

Lopez could barely speak afterwards, announcing shakily: “I believe in this kid. I believe in Jer Bear. I think he's got one of the most beautiful voices I've heard.”

Although she had to listen to four other performances, she clearly wanted to make the 19-year-old one of Idol's top 13 right away.

In a new twist on the long-running Fox series, each judge was allowed to send one person to safety. When Lopez picked the Florida native, host Ryan Seacrest asked: “You want to go hug her? I know you want to hug her.”

Rosado then ran to the judges table and sobbed “I am so grateful,” to which J. Lo replied, “You deserve it, baby.” (FREEMAN)