The Top Three American Idols Are Heading Home to Celebrate

It came down to the top three vocalists on May 12^th's American Idol. This determination had significance as the final three contestants will now return to their hometowns for parades, a concert and much adulation.

The Drama

The contestants' families were brought onto the stage for moral support. Casey was told early on that he was safe. However, when announcer Ryan Seacrest said, "Casey..." with that forlorn tone he uses, Casey nodded and looked down at the floor, seemingly ready to hear that he was in the bottom two. However, they didn't announce a bottom two; it was all random and Casey was safe. I was glad to hear it...not because of his good looks, but because he's talented.

Crystal, Mike and Lee waited a while longer to receive their fate. When Ryan told Lee that he would be heading back to Chicago, I wondered if he meant Lee was kicked off the show or was going to his hometown celebration parade. It was the latter. I would've been disappointed had Lee been finished. Then again, stranger things have happened. After all, Chris Daughtry only made it to fourth runner-up in American Idol's fifth season back in 2006.

It was finally down to Crystal and Mike. I actually had the thought that Crystal might go-only because it seemed too obvious to pair her against Michael Lynche. When the drama unfolded, Mike found out his luck had run out. Crystal will still be around, and that's good news in my book.

No Parade

Mike Lynche sang his farewell song tonight on American Idol with strength and conviction. Not surprisingly, he went out with class. Mike said he was thankful to have had the extra five weeks beyond the judges' save. The most touching part was when Mike's wife brought their baby girl onto the stage. That would've brightened anyone's night.

The Top Three

Crystal Bowersox is looking forward to getting back to her old stomping grounds in Elliston, Ohio, and jamming with her base player, Frankie Ray.

Lee DeWyze watched clips of former American Idols as they experienced their homecomings and said, "I want that to be me." He's getting his wish as he heads back to Prospect, Illinois.

Casey James said he has a hankering to hear 'a bunch of people say y'all'. There'll be no shortage of that phrase when he lands in Fort Worth, Texas.

Entertainment

The Idols didn't do their usual medley at the beginning of this results' show. The entertainment of the evening was excellent. Chris Daughtry, one of my favorite past Idols, didn't disappoint tonight as his band, Daughtry, performed "September". Chris could no doubt relate to big Mike's position tonight. If Michael Lynche does even half as well as Chris, he'll have a successful career.

Fantasia, season 3 winner on American Idol, gave the Idols a good example of singing with heart and soul as she performed "Bittersweet".

Bon Jovi still has it. I guess that's why they're the #1 touring band in the country.

American Idol fans are very devoted. They have definite favorites. Some of these devotees even lash out at other contestants when a preferred choice gets the boot. However, the top ten vocalists are just getting started and American Idol has been their springboard. It's a tough race to call at this point...it's all up to America....well, the ones who vote anyway.

American Idols Sing Songs of the Cinema on May 11th