American Idol Results Show Recap May 13, 2009: Two Remain

If there is one thing that American Idol knows how to do, it's create suspense, drag it out, and drag it out some more. The "Top Three Week" results show on May 13, 2009, was a prime example of just that.

On the night of the Top Three Show, May 12^th, the talents of each contestant had been amplified as each contestant took the stage twice. Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, and Adam Lambert each sang two songs; one song was a judge's choice and the other was the choice of the contestant. America voted for its favorite singers immediately after the show on May 12^th.

The blogs, fansites, and fan forums were all abuzz with chatter through the night and on into the day of the May 13^th American Idol results show. Emotions were running high as the show began, airing first on the East Coast at 9 p.m. "OMG, It's Results Night and I Feel Sick" was one forum's topic on LambSkanks.com, an Adam Lambert fan site.

The show started off with the amazing announcement that over 88 million voters had voted. Considering 47 million voted two weeks ago, and 62 million voted just one week ago, that was a significant jump in votes cast. Ryan Seacrest, the American Idol host, then announced ominously that only one million votes separated the top two. The tension and suspense in the television and at-home audience grew.

Alicia Keys announced that "Idol Gives Back" was helping the Keep a Child Alive efforts in Africa and asked for donations and help. She then introduced a singer from Rwanda, who sang a song in English that took him a week to memorize.

Then American Idol paused for a commercial break. The suspense grew even more.

After break, we saw all three performers backstage, to be brought out one by one. Danny Gokey was called to the stage first. The house lights dimmed and Ryan Seacrest introduced a video of Danny's homecoming. Danny Gokey's fans went crazy at his homecoming; Danny got emotional over the response. Ryan Seacrest reviewed Danny Gokey's performance from the Top Three Show.

Then Kris Allen was called to the front for his homecoming video. Once again, his fans went crazy at his homecoming. The response overwhelmed Kris, too. Kris' dad cried from happiness; he was very proud of his son. Ryan reviewed Kris' performance from the Top Three Show.

Commercial break again. American Idol must have been delighting in dragging out the results announcement.

Jordin Sparks sang "Battlefield", and again American Idol paused for yet another commercial break. The tension in the audience was palpable as we returned to the show after the break.

Adam Lambert's homecoming video was next. Adam visited the stage where he performed in a musical as a child and talked with children's theatre performers. He was also interviewed by the local TV news.

When Adam performed on a football field in San Diego, apparently a girl streaked onto the stage. She was restrained; key parts of this footage were cut out because of the PG rating of American Idol. The last shot of Adam Lambert's homecoming video showed him singing the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Miramar Marine Corps Station. Ryan then reviewed Adam's performance and the judges' comments from the Top Three Show.

Yet another commercial break. American Idol seemed to be taking forever to get to what everyone was here for -- which two contestants will return next week for the Finals showdown?

American Idol continued to build up the butterflies in everyone's stomachs as we sat through yet another song. Katy Perry sang "Waiting in Vegas" in an Elvis-like Las Vegas number.

And another commercial break! Have a heart, American Idol!

Finally, the three contestants took the center stage. The first person announced who will be returning next week for the finals is -- Kris Allen! Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert huddle together as Ryan Seacrest draws out the final announcement. The other person competing in the finals next week is -- Adam Lambert!

Adam's family went wild along with the crowd and celebrated. After the wild applause, screams, and cheers died down, Danny Gokey went front and center to perform his last number -- "You Are So Beautiful". One could not help but wonder if he was thinking of his deceased wife as he sang that number. He put passion, energy, and soul into his performance.

Next week American Idol is gearing up for a Finals Week celebration bash. On the TV Guide Channel, "Idol Tonight" on Monday, May 18^th from 8 to 10 p.m. will have interviews from this season's top 3 finalists, never-before seen audition tapes, interviews of former finalists, and more .

On Tuesday, May 19^th from 6 to 8 p.m. on the TV Guide channel "Idol Tonight" will preview the 8 o'clock show. Then the Finals Competition between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. MST).

On Wednesday, May 20^th from 6 to 8 p.m. "Idol Tonight" will have a red carpet preview of the grand finale results show. Then finally, from 8 - 10 p.m. ET/PT (7 - 9 p.m. MST) American Idol will crown one contestant the Season 8 American Idol winner. Tickets to the American Idol finale at Nokia Theatre have gone from $700 to a whopping $5000 at a charity auction.