Amber Fleury put on a brave face and gracefully accepted being voted off Canadian Idol Wednesday night.

But the inspiring singer from Calgary says it was just a front.

"When I got home, I sat on the balcony by myself and it all sunk in. I had a good cry. I felt like my world was crashing down on me.

"I expected I might be in the bottom three, but I didn't expect it to all happen at once."

Despite being one of the best singers in the Idol competition, Fleury received the fewest votes cast by viewers Tuesday for her version of Cher's Just Like Jesse James.

The 26-year-old paralegal admits it was not one of her strongest performances, but she doesn't believe that's why Canadians sent her packing. "People are not voting based on the proper qualities (talent), they are voting on image," she says.

"I guess I didn't fit that image of a Canadian Idol, but to me an idol is someone people can look up to."

Fleury also feels there may be some truth to judge Jake Gold's belief that western Canadians are not supporting their own.

On Wednesday's show, three gifted competitors from the west -- Fleury, Josh Palmer from Saskatoon and Kamloop's Suzi Rawn -- received the fewest votes.

"I know I had a lot of support coming from Calgary, but last night's bottom three was a real shocker," Fleury says.

"And last week, Ashley (Leitao from B.C.) left way too early and Melissa (O'Neil from Calgary) being in the bottom three two weeks in a row is ridiculous.

"I have never seen anyone in the bottom three from Eastern Canada and some of them have deserved to be there."

Another reason for the wacky results this season may be due to an on-line campaign to keep New Brunswick's Casey Leblanc on Idol.

Votefortheworst.com, which has grown in popularity since its support of American Idol's Scott Savol was credited for keeping him in the competition far too long, is now encouraging Canadians to vote for the worst.

Fleury says it's likely the website is affecting the show's results.

"I wouldn't doubt it, but I don't understand it. I think that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. Why would anyone want the worst in the competition to be their Idol?"

Fleury, on the other hand, plans to vote for Rawn, who she considers the best singer/performer in the top seven.

"Suzi has paid her dues -- I just think she is really deserving of it."

Today, Fleury is flying to Calgary to spend time with friends before heading to Manitoba to visit her parents.

She will then return to Toronto for the show's finale in September.

"I've had just the greatest experience. I did what I came to do -- I showed people I can sing and I believe there are going to be some positive opportunities for me as a result," Fleury says, adding she's not giving up on her dream of becoming a professional singer.

"I want to get a record deal -- that's what I have always wanted -- to share my music with the world. I am never going to give up. I've come too far now."