American Idol Finalists Announced

Fans of "American Idol" who tuned in for the results show Wednesday night got a bit of a surprise and possibly a shock when they saw Ben Stiller and friends appear to promote their new film "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" in a rather odd way - by remarking on the "American Idol" desk where the judges sit. When host Ryan Seacrest finally appeared he confirmed that the "American Idol" desk would be going to the Smithsonian Institute.

After two seasons of Idol Gives Back "American Idol" took a break this season from the two hour special but this week season 4 "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood gave an update from Angola during the performance show and during the results show World Ambassador for Keep a Child Alive Alicia Keys appealed to fans to contribute to funds for assisting Africans with HIV/AIDS. A young Rwandan man named Noah sang "I'm the World's Greatest", a song that he learned how to sing in English in only one week. Keys said that Noah's dream was to make a record and use the proceeds to help his ailing countrymen.

Once the last three contestants remain, they get a trip back to their home city for a visit. As a part of the results show video footage from those trips were aired. Danny, Kris, and Adam were treated to massive crowds, plaques, and other honours; but in San Diego Adam got a little something more when a streaker ran across the stage he was on.

It was another record breaking week with over 88 million votes being cast by fans. Only one million votes separated the two men who made it to the finals. As the night wore on, at one point Danny said that he just wanted it to be over.

After much waiting and anxiety from everyone the results were finally announced. Kris Allen was the first one to advance on to the finals leaving Danny and Adam awaiting word of their fate - the two singers many thought would be in the finals. But when Ryan announced the second finalist - Adam Lambert, a long journey for Danny Gokey had come up one week shy of the final episode.

Next week will be what Ryan Seacrest called a two part finale for what Simon called a big ding dong (something good).