CRYSTAL BOWERSOX, LEE DEWYZE AND CASEY JAMES ARE THE TOP 3 FINALISTS ON “AMERICAN IDOL”
MICHAEL LYNCHE IS ELIMINATED FROM COMPETITION
Top 3 Finalists Perform Two Songs Each on Next Week’s Performance Show Tuesday, May 18, on FOX
Special Performances by Justin Bieber and Travis Garland on Next Results Show Wednesday, May 19
Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Casey James are this season’s AMERICAN IDOL Top 3 finalists after it was revealed that Michael Lynche received the fewest of America’s nearly 37 million votes – the highest of the season. On Tuesday’s performance show, the Top 4 performed hit songs from the movies, and Lynche, 26, from St. Petersburg, FL, sang “Will You Be There?” from “Free Willy.” In addition, this evening’s results show featured special performances by Daughtry, Fantasia and rock legend Bon Jovi.
Next week, the Top 3 finalists will compete head-to-head on the second-to-last performance show of the season, airing Tuesday, May 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Each contestant will sing two songs – judges’ choice and finalist’s choice – as they vie for a coveted spot in the finale.
Tune in the following night, Wednesday, May 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), to find out which two finalists will face off in the final showdown at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE. During the live results show, Travis Garland will take the stage, and pop sensation Justin Bieber will perform his hits “Baby” and “U Smile.”
The Top 3 finalists had this to say about making it to the Top 3:
Crystal Bowersox – “I come from a small town where everyone knows everyone – it’s a really tight-knit community. Everyone’s incredibly excited for me, and I couldn’t be more excited for them. I’ve heard that things were looking pretty dismal back home, and now everyone is rallying because they have something to believe in. It’s amazing that it can be me who lifts the spirits of the people in my hometown. I’m forever grateful for their support and love, and I can’t wait to come home and see everybody.”
Lee DeWyze – “I’m very appreciative of this whole experience. Truthfully, there’s more than just getting up there and performing every week. It’s the people back at home – and the people everywhere – who are voting for me and supporting me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Going back home and getting to see all the people that will be there is going to be really awesome.”
Casey James – “To all my hometown people – thank you. I know they’re rooting for me like crazy and voting their butts off, so I owe them a huge thank you. I’ll never be able to show it enough. Even saying thank you a million times wouldn’t be enough. I am excited to go home and see my fans, and I am excited to smell that Texas air again. It sounds stupid, but that’s going be one of the best things for me.”
AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.
Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.