Portland’s Jessica Cunningham got a bitter 25th birthday present when she lost her latest bid to be the next “American Idol.”

“Getting cut on my birthday is evil,” Cunningham said to the camera after Thursday night’s episode of the Fox TV show, in which she became the last woman cut before the semifinal round.

“They’ve ruined my birthday,” she added, before offering a two-fisted finger gesture that was censored by the show’s logo.

“I love you, but come on,” were her parting words.

During the pre-recorded Hollywood episode, Cunningham and 15-year-old Thia Megia were the last two women to learn their fate, as the field of singers was whittled down to the top 12 men and 12 women.

Wearing a black leather jacket, a short black skirt, a chunky necklace and a ponytail, Cunningham linked arms with Megia as the pair walked an illuminated runway before facing the judges. Megia moved on to the semifinal round.

Now in its 10th season, Fox’s “American Idol” is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and judged by Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson.

Cunningham appeared to sense the impending news when she told Seacrest: “You are the undertaker right now to me.”

After telling Cunningham that she wasn’t destined for the top 24, Lopez said, “I hope you do decide to come back.”

Cunningham appeared on “American Idol” last year. Just like this season, she was cut in Hollywood before the semifinal round.

Cunningham, a Bridgton native, has auditioned for the show seven times.

In addition to pursuing a singing career, Cunningham has worked as a waitress, a bartender and a hairstylist.

She was one of two contestants from Maine who went to Hollywood. Danielle Pease, 15, of Winthrop was eliminated during an episode that aired last week.

The show will continue next week with “3 Nights of Idol.”

On Tuesday, viewers will determine the five guys who will advance. The next night, viewers will pick the top five women. Thursday’s show will bring the announcement of the finalists.

For the first time, fans can cast votes for their favorites on the “American Idol” Facebook page.

Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at:

akamila@pressherald.com