Review of American Idol for May 12, 2009: Top Three Showdown

American Idol has gone from 100,000 contestants to just three. Tonight's show features the Final Three performing 2 songs. One song that the judges have picked for them and another song they got to choose themselves. It all comes down to this final performance tonight. Everything rides on tonight. No pressure! The finale is just one week away! It is hard to believe another season of American Idol has almost come and gone.

Last week all of the contestants got to go to their hometowns. A very special time for each of them. Now it is back to business!

The first of the Final Three to perform was Danny Gokey singing a song that Paula chose for him. It was "Little Sister". It was another great performance from Danny. Randy said, "let the games begin". He said it was "dope". Kara said the dancing maybe not so great, and wondered if we would remember that performance tomorrow. I know I will Kara! Paula thought he did a really good job on the dancing and said it was a fantastic job. Simon said the dancing was desperate, but vocally it was very good. Simon thought they could have done away with the sax solo. He said it was the wrong song, but right artist.

Kris was up next singing, "Apologize", the song that Randy and Kara picked for him. Kris decided to play the piano. I thought it was great song for him. Terrific! Randy said this could be in his future. He knows that Kris knows what kind of artist he is. Kara said it was a confident performance, but wanted him to make the song more his own. Paula said she was proud of him, but there was a bum note. Simon dogged on Kara about giving Kris a hard time about the song she chose for him. He said it was good, but not quite as good as it could have been. Things heated up between the judges!

Simon picked the song for Adam which was, "One" by U2. Simon said he got permission from Bono for Adam to sing this song. We got to see Adam a tad bit toned down, but he was still able to get to those famous high notes. He sang the song with emotion. Great job Adam! Randy said that Adam is still in the zone. He said it was unbelievable vocals, and that Adam is a really talented guy. Kara called Adam an amazing strategist. He can change a song and make it unbelievable. Paula said Simon was over there gloating about the song choice he chose for Adam. Paula said it was a superb performance. Simon said it was a brilliant song choice (giving himself kudos). He also agreed that it was a brilliant performance.

Ryan spoke a little about Idol Gives Back. He said that Idol Gives Back has raised around $140 million. We saw a report from Carrie Underwood in Africa talking about the important needs they have. Needs such as a bed net to prevent them from contracting Malaria. She said a lot of needs have been met thanks to Idol Gives Back, but that many more needs need to be met.

Round 2 of the contestants singing started with Danny. The song he personally chose for himself was "You Are So Beautiful". This is his last chance to make an impression and make it through to the finale next week. He put his own unique spin on the song. Very beautiful and touching arrangement. Great vocals! You go Gokey! Randy said that Danny can really, really, really sing. He has mad vocals! Kara said that Danny did everything in this performance that he didn't do in the first performance. She called it stunning. Paula said his performance left everyone breathless and that he nailed it. Simon said he loved the song but didn't need the arrangement. He called it a vocal masterpiece.

Kris chose "Heartless" by Kanye West for his song. He had his guitar out for this performance. Kris has a unique voice and a unique style. He did an excellent job. Randy said it is going to be the toughest voting tonight. He said he liked Kris' arrangement better than Kanye's! Kara asked Kris why he didn't do that in his first performance. She called it brave, bold and fearless. Paula commended him and said bravo. Simon said it was a lame song choice, but that the performance changed how he had written Kris out of the competition.

Adams pick for his song was, "Crying". Great song choice for him to showcase his amazing vocals and range on high notes. Randy called it one of Adam's best performances ever on stage. He said Adam was charismatic and that he is a rock star. Kara asked, "who can hit those notes"? Referring to Adam's ability to reach such high notes. She called it amazing and told Adam, "see you in the finals". Paula said that Adam has set the bar so high in the sky. She said we will see him next week and many years after. Simon said it is easy to assume that Adam will be in the finals, but noted that we need not to assume, but to vote.

I am banking on Danny and Adam in the finale. I am pulling for Danny to win, but I have feeling Adam will be the new American Idol.