Ramiele Says Idol Played Fair

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Ramiele Malubay's fellow American Idol finalists stood head and shoulders above her, but she says she never felt overmatched.

"I feel it was all an even playing field. We all had our weaknesses and strengths," she told reporters on the morning after her elimination from the competition. "We were picked for a reason."

At 4 feet, 11 inches, Malubay was the shortest Idol. And compared to the likes of former Star Search champ David Archuleta and former MCA recording artist Carly Smithson, she was one of the least-seasoned singers.

"I knew they all had experience. [But] I had as much experience as I thought I was going to need," Malubay said. "We're all learning what I'm learning."

Malubay finished ninth, her run coming to an end after her Dolly Parton week performance of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind."

And, yes, it totally crossed Malubay's mind that she was the doomed one on Wednesday's results show.