Fans loyal to Naples’ Lazaro Arbos on ‘American Idol’ despite scathing reviews

Fans stuck with Collier County resident Lazaro Arbos and ensured that he’ll sing for them again next week on “American Idol.”

Host Ryan Seacrest revealed Thursday night that Arbos received enough votes to make it into the show’s Top 8.

Arbos, 21, has built a loyal following since his first episode aired because of his talent and compelling life story. The Cuban-born “Idol” hopeful stutters when he speaks but not when he sings.

Arbos told the Daily News Tuesday that he connects with his fans on social media as much as possible.

“This means nothing without them,” Arbos said. “I owe everything to them, so the least I can do is just talk back.”

“Idol” judges gave his Wednesday night performance of the Beatles’ “In My Life” low marks, and Arbos seemed shaken by the criticism, tearing up on stage.

After the show, Arbos tweeted an apology to his fans.

“(G)uys I’m sorry I cried tonight. I was really embarrassed,” he wrote. “I love you all. I’m just having a bad night.”

During Thursday’s show opening, music producer Jimmy Iovine, who has been working with the contestants behind-the-scenes, said he wants the judges to ramp up the criticism.

“What you can’t do is coddle people,” Iovine said.

And he was critical of Arbos’ performance.

“This was easily the worst performance of the night,” Iovine said. “No matter how the audience votes tonight, this was at the bottom of the pile.”

Seacrest asked Arbos what he thought of the judges’ comments.

“They were right for the most part,” he said. “But the lesson that I got from the night is that I have to do the songs that I love.”

Judge Nicki Minaj agreed with Arbos. She told him he has to do that to get his “mojo” back.

“Your passion shows when you love what you’re singing,” Minaj said.

Arbos told the Daily News that every “Idol” contestant goes through good and bad weeks.

“The key is to know who you are as a performer and know that no matter what, you have no regrets about the song that you chose,” Arbos said.

“American Idol,” and Arbos, will return next week for another round of performances and cuts live on FOX.