Tonight we find out which of the final American Idol contestants make it to the Top 3, and who’s dreams are dashed so close to the finish line.
Quick note: The Idol Tour kicks off July 1, and tickets go on sale this weekend.
Tonigh we have performances from Bon Jovi, Daughtry and Fantasia; the last time Fantasia was on it was a weird moment, to say the least. She opens the show tonight looking 100 times better than last time – although she’s packed pretty tightly into some leather pants. But she looks classy and sounds great. The song is “Bittersweet”, from an album coming out this summer. Wow, Fantasia’s daughter was 2 years when she won the show; her daughter is 9 now. Time flies, eh?
We’re back for another Ford commercial. Why is Big Mike always the straight guy in the commercials while the others have to dress up or act stupidly?
Ryan reminds us that the final three get to go home for a mini concert, visit to an ATT store (also known as a live commercial; gee, will they drive there in a Ford?). We get a video montage of past hometown visits.

Ryan asks the contestants what they’ll look forward to when they get home .. if they get home. Big Mike wants his puppy and the Florida beach. Crystal wants to play a gig with her bass player. Lee says after watching the video, he wants that to be him, so he can to home and thank everyone. Casey wants to see his friends, family and puppy dogs, smell the Texas air, and hear a bunch of people saying “Y’all”.
Tonight the families are on stage, parents friends, and family.
We’re getting results already? Ryans recaps Mike and Casey; Mike says he picked the song they did as a duet. Casey had another one in mind, but he deferred to Mike because Mike was so excited. Ryan recaps Lee and Crystal; Crystal says it’s her favorite movie. Lee says he watched the movie a few weeks before, so when it came up, it was an obvious pick.
First result: Casey is safe, and in the Top 3. No surprise; I think Big Mike is going home tonight.
And let’s hear it for Daughtery. Tonight’s a good music night, unlike that Lady Gaga craptacular last week.
Ryan asks Chris how it feels to sing in an arena and hear the cheers – duh, what a dumb question. Chris explains the song, about how summer was so simple as a child.
Ryan asks Ellen what the difference is between the contestants and Daughtry; she says they’ve made it this far and she’s so proud. Randy says he’s living the dream, he’s bigger than life, and it’s what they aspire to be, and they love having contestants come back. Chris tells the contestants to stay hungry and don’t compromise the music they love. He’s proof that uncompromising sincerity in music may get you voted off Idol early but will pack arenas later.
Back for more results. Ryan does some more recaps of last night’s performances and judges’ comments. And Lee is safe, leaving Big Mike and Crystal. Does anyone really think Crystal is going home? I don’t think Big Mike does; he has that look on his face again, the one he had the week he was voted off before. I think he’s headed home – and not for a parade and a visit to an ATT store, either.
Before we find out for sure, though, we get some Bon Jovi. I love Bon Jovi, but honest? After Daughtry, they’re kind of showing their age. Just a teeny, teeny bit. They should have switched the line up and had Bon Jovi go first. Age before beauty and all that.
Ryan asks who they can keep going, with #1 tours, albums, etc and Jon says they’ve crossed generations, and it’s luck and friends. Gotta love a guy who looks that good after “crossing generations.”
OK, we’re back; Casey and Lee are safe and sitting on the couch with their families. Lee says they’re trying to take it in but they’re feeling for Crystal and Mike. Casey says he’s overwhelmed and when Ryan said his name he thought he was going home.
So the other person joining the final Top 3 is Crystal Bowersox. Totally no surprise, not even for Mike’s friend, who just nodded.
Ryan calls Mike one of the most “intense” contestants they’ve ever had on the show. Big Mike says he wasn’t even supposed to go this far but for the judges’ save, and he’s thankful. Video recap of Big Mike’s journey, from the birth of his baby daughter while he was in LA for the auditions, to his repeated attempts to lift Ryan off the ground as high as he can, to the judges’ save.
Last minute advice from Kara: Do not stop, keep going, write and record great songs, keep gigging.
Big Mike sings his goodbye song, gives hugs to the judges and gets some last words of encouragment.
Well, I don’t think was a surprise at all, although if Casey hadn’t pulled off a great performance last night it could have been him saying goodbye.
The good thing for Mike? He has a huge fanbase, he’s clearly talented, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing from him as soon as his contract allows.
So there you go! Your final three: Lee Dewyze, Casey James and Crystal Bowersox. Any predictions for the winner?
RELATED POSTS
American Idol season 9 auditions and recaps – complete list of posts