Final Three American Idol Contestants Strut Their Stuff on Performance Night

May 18, 2011, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart are the final American Idol contestants after James Durbin was sent home the previous week. On tonight's two hour performance the final three American Idol contestants strutted their stuff on stage in an attempt to get voted into the top two finalist's slots, performing three songs each.

Ryan Seacrest, the American Idol host, announced the three contestants will sing three songs each, a contestant's favorite song, a Jimmy Lovine song selection, (Jimmy Lovine's the American Idol onset song coach) and a judge's song choice. Beyonce, a superstar singer and actress, was this week's guest mentor for the contestants. Beyonce's world premiere video, "Run The World," aired tonight on the show with fancy footwork dancing.

The American Idol judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler critiqued the final three.

Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart had the chance to return to their hometowns on private jets this week for hometown celebrations in their honor.

Scotty McCreery, the faithful country voice, started the show performing his personal song choice, "Amazed," by Lonestar. Beyonce thought he had charm and a beautiful deep voice with range. Steven Tyler said Scotty kicked it up a notch, Jennifer Lopez said he used his vibrato in a great song choice, and Randy Jackson said, "Scotty's got money," referring to how Scotty ended the song in a higher key.

Lauren Alaina's personal song choice was Faith Hill's song, "Wild One." Beyonce said she liked when Lauren sings something fun and lets herself go. Jennifer Lopez said Lauren did it and to attack it every time, Randy Jackson said she should be fearless and have fun, and Steven Tyler said she sang the song like she owned it and was ready for America to be all over her.

Haley Reinhart chose Led Zeppelin's, rocking, "What Is & What Should Never Be." Beyonce said Haley was fearless, incredible with her raspy tones. Haley's father accompanied her with his guitar. She received a standing ovation by the judges and audience. Randy Jackson said Haley slayed it and it was the best performance of the year. Steven Tyler said it was superb. Jennifer Lopez said it was a good round for her. Haley stumbled and fell but got right up and continued. Haley won the first round per the judge's opinion.

Scotty McCreery's initial audition tape was shown before he performed Jimmy Lovine's song selection, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?" by, Thompson Square. He accompanied himself on his guitar. Steven Tyler loved the chorus and Jennifer Lopez said there were so many good things and asked Scotty if he'd shave his head again for the finale. Randy Jackson said one of his catch phrases, Scotty's in it to win it.

Lauren Alaina's audition tape aired where she sang a little duet with Steven Tyler. Jimmy chose, "If I Die Young," by the band, Perry, for Lauren to perform. Jennifer Lopez said Lauren had a beautiful natural tone. Randy Jackson said it was a good song choice even though she got caught up in the song and lost her way a bit. Steven Tyler said she nailed it again.

Haley Reinhart's initial audition tape aired when she was told to come back the previous year. Jimmy Lovine chose Fleetwood Mac's, "Rhiannon." Randy Jackson said she did a good job, Steven Tyler Haley reminded him why he loved Stevie Nicks, and Jennifer Lopez said it was very pretty, a surreal moment.

Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Jimmy Lovine believed Scotty McCreery took round two while Steven Tyler thought Lauren Alaina took it. Round three revealed the American Idol contestant's found out the judge's song selections via text message during their hometown visits.

Scotty McCreery started round three singing, "She Believes In Me," by Kenny Rogers. Steven Tyler said Scotty put it over the top, Jennifer Lopez said Scotty hit the big chorus, and Randy Jackson said it was very nicely done.

Lauren Alaina sang the judge's choice, "I Hope You Dance," by Lee Ann Womack. Jennifer Lopez said Lauren won the round already for her, Randy Jackson said she slayed it and Steven Tyler said she walked out there like she was on the Grand Ole Opry.

Haley Reinhart ended tonight's American Idol performance by singing her judge's song choice, "You Oughta Know," by Alanis Morissette. Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez said she nailed the choruses.

Lauren Alaina won the third round by Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. Steven Tyler thought Hailey Reinhart won it.

You can find further information about the American Idol contestants, the American Idol judges, song selections on Itunes and added American Idol tour date tickets going on sale Friday the 20^th at ten am., all at the official website for American Idol. www.americanidol.com

The official website for Beyonce. www.beyonceonline.com/us/home

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