Your top four, ladies and gentlemen.
This is what I was born to do.
It's one of those things you dream about.
It's the biggest thing that's happened to me in my whole life.
It's a one-shot deal for me.
And I'm trying to go move with it.
This is the time for them to really, really step up and
let it go. These are the most important couple of weeks in your life.
So let's really make it count.
You gave it 100%.
You so good and you sang that so well.
Dude, that was brilliant. Really good.
Nice one, nice one.
This is you fighting to stay in the competition.
You, Crystal, are back in the game.
I love it.
It was amazing.
One of my favorite moments of the entire season.
Please welcome your host, Ryan Seacrest.
Welcome.
Good to have you with us.
How are you?
Good to see you.
Thank you, sir, for standing.
I appreciate it.
How are you?
Welcome to "American Idol."
It is Wednesday, and thanks to you at home,
because almost 37 million votes came in last night.
That is the highest of the season.
This evening the top four become three
and the race to the finale is tighter than ever.
But that's not all.
Bon Jovi will take the stage live.
Plus, we have Season 3 winner Fantasia is here tonight.
And a performance from the guy who knows
just how difficult this exact elimination is.
Daughtry live on the stage here tonight.
And your judges are here as well.
Say hi to Randy Jackson.
Ellen Degenes.
Kara DioGuardi.
And, Simon Cowell.
Let me remind you again, the top 10 Idols will
kick off the cross-coury tour July 1st in Auburn Hills,
Michigan. Tickets go on sale, Simon, this weekend.
Seriously.
Yes.
So Americanidol.com for more information.
I'll be there.
Get yours now.
Back in Season 3, she went on that tour, and since has gone on
to have a very prolific career with "Bittersweet."
Please welcome live right now,
Fantasia.
# oh, oh #
# every now and then I still get a flashback #
# of the time I spent thinking you could be that one #
# should I have just gone along #
# as I understand we did have some good times #
# on the other hand, got me crying all night #
# it was too much for mind #
# so even though I left you #
# I can't forget you #
# because when I think about you #
# guess I'll always love you #
# it's bittersweet, it's bittersweet #
# when we were together you ain't treat me right #
# then I really love you #
# I ain't gonna lie #
# cause when I think about you #
# it's bittersweet #
# I still have the box full of things you gave me #
# deep inside my heart #
# made the right decision #
# but it's gonna hurt #
# when you might less think it #
# did I make a big mistake #
# even though I left you #
# can't forget you #
# when I think about you #
# hey, yeah #
# it's bittersweet #
# guess I'll always I'll always love you #
# you, you, I'll always, I'll alwa #
# yeah #
# when I think about you #
# yeah #
# it's bittersweet #
# see, you have to understand that #
# somebody's going to get hurt on this situation #
# and you just hope that it's not you #
# listen, at times #
# part of me wants you #
# part of me don't #
# part of me is missing you #
# part of me is gone #
# part of me is saying that the love is still strong #
# all of me is letting go #
# so even though I left you #
# I can't forget you #
# 'cause when I think about you #
# it's bittersweet #
# guess I'll always love you #
# you, you #
# I'll always, I'll always #
# oh, when I think about you #
# oh, it's bittersweet, yeah #
# oh, bittersweet #
Fantasia!
Hey, how are you?
I'm good.
How are you?
Good.
You look great.
Thank you.
You know, you gotta learn to sing with some heart.
So that's your first single from a new album coming out this summer.
Tell me about the music on the album.
Well, you know, it's been three years too long since I have had an album out.
And, everybody knows that I'm a soul singer.
And I don't like to hide around from that... that I am.
So, this album here is much soul.
I wrote some stuff on the album,
and I worked with a lot of great people, Clyde Kelley.
So, it's been too long.
It's time for me to have an album out right now.
Last time we saw you
out here competing, I think your daughter was what? 2 years old?.
How is she doing?
She's 9 now.
I know.
So Simon's type.
She's a little bit taller than Simon.
But she's 9 now.
She is doing pretty good. She's good.
So good to have you back.
Nice to see you.
Fantasia, everybody.
When we come back, the results
who makes the cut find out live after this.
Back with you live on "American Idol."
We're down to just four contestants, Mike, Casey, Lee
and Crystal, ladies and gentlemen.
Here they are together on these stools.
And here is one of their final appearances as a group in the
form of this week's Ford music video.
Take a good look.
# from this moment #
# we understand #
# the road is wide open to the hard of every man #
# drive a car around the world #
You can go to americanidol.com to view all the
Ford music videos and see how
you can be on the set of one of them,
and get seats in our audience while you're there finding out how
you can drive an "American Idol" inspired Ford Fiesta.
Now, as most Idol fans know that the contestants who survive the cut
not only make it to the top three,
but they get to go home and they receive a hero's welcome.
There's a parade, and appereance
at the local AT&T Store. There is a mini concert and so much more.
It's always been an amazing event.
Check this out.
We are going home to Arkansas.
Smells like home.
Sweet home, Alabama.
All day, they were overtooking in Kansas city.
Today is officially Elliot Yummy Day. You're in the city of Richmond.
It is my pleasure to give you a key to the city.
It's a day?
My Gosh.
I am so excited you're there.
It's changed my life, so I
owe that all to you, so thank you so much fans.
To find out where you favorite will be and which AT&T
store they will be visiting, the AT&T store
they'll be hanging out, you can go to americanidol.com.
How are you doing?
Mike, what are you looking forward to if you make it to the
top three in terms of going back home and seeing them?
You konw, I'm really looking forward to get home to my puppy for a
few minutes and seeing my family that's still there and just
smelling that beach, salty sea air in St. Pete.
We've got that here.
But the humidity, man, is so different. You know, so
I'm looking forward to getting back home.
Crystal, how about for you if you go back?
Obviously, my family and everything.
But I really want to play a gig
with Frankie May, my bass player.
Go to the village and probably
all the places that are really dear to my heart.
Lee, when you watched
those images, what do you think about?
I want that to be me.
And to get a chance to go back
and say thank you to all the
people that have been supportive to me in person,
that would mean a lot to me.
Just to be sitting in my parents' house having a
conversation without any cameras, just me and my family.
That's important to me.
So I'm looking forward to that.
Casey, you realize the impact these trips have
when you see the emotion on their face
and the tears in all these contestants' eyes.
What do you think about if you were to go home and be in the top three?
You know, seeing all my friends and family obviously,
smelling Texas air,
seeing my puppy dogs.
Er... hearing a bunch of people say you'all would be nice.
Well, good luck to all of you.
Tonight on stage, we get the families of the top four.
Say hi to them.
Anxiously awaiting the results,
We've got team Mike, ladies and gentlemen.
Team Casey.
Team Lee.
And team Crystal.
So what's it like to be up here now looking that way?
Incredible? - Exciting.
- Very cool. - Very cool. - Nerves?
Let me see your palms.
I think they're fine.
You seem comfortable.
Good luck to the families.
Let's get to it.
We'll see how it all goes down right now, ladies and gentlemen.
These results in no particular order.
Give me light.
Here we go.
Good luck to all of you.
Please stand up, all four of you.
Mike and Casey, you sang "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman."
After last night, we all know it's a yes from Ellen.
Randy loved the guitar playing.
Kara and Simon thought it was great
And million times than the solo performances.
Who picked the song between the two of you?
How did that come about?
I picked that one.
I just thought it would like really speak to who we are as men
and who we wanted to talk to,
and I was super excited about it and he saw I was excited about it.
He was so pumped up.
I had another one in mind, but he was so excited.
You deferred?
It was a good choice.
All right.
Let's go to Crystal and Lee now.
You chose "Falling Slowly."
Randy thought the duet would be a hit.
Ellen crowned you the new Captain and Tennille.
Simon thought it was fantastic.
And Kara said it was her favorite moment of the season.
Crystal, you seem to be at least to me
particularly pumped out doing that song.
Why was that?
It's my favorite movie.
It's two singer-songwriters meet.
It's a novel stroy that never happens.
It's a great movie, great song.
I know Lee likes the song, too.
Lee, your two cents?
To be honest, it's funny, three weeks ago
she's like you should watch that movie.
I got it and I watched it and I loved it.
And we were given, you know, the opportunity to sing it.
It was like the minute she mentioned it,
It was like that was it.
We started rehearsing that second.
It was awesome.
It was meant to be, Lee.
It was fun rehearsing it, too.
It was awesome.
Here we go, guys.
After the nationwide vote,
Casey, you are safe and in the top three.
Congratulations, Casey.
You may head to the couches with your family.
So Casey is the first one in your top three, America.
But who else will join him?
Find out soon and Daughtry's live next.
Hang on.
Welcome back to "American Idol."
As a reminder, the music from
last night is available for download from iTunes.
The "American Idol" page is where you can find it all.
Now we're going to bring out the guy
who started his journey here on the stage.
He and his band have sold millions of albums around the globe.
With "September" ladies and gentlemen, Daughtry.
# how the time passed away all the trouble that we gave #
# and all those days we spent out by the lake #
# has it all gone to waste #
# all promises we made #
# one by one they vanish just the same #
# of all the things I still remember #
# summer's never looked the same #
# the years go by and time just seems to fly #
# but the memories remain. #
# in the middle of September #
# we'd still play out in the rain #
# nothing to lose but everything to gain #
# reflecting now on how things could have been #
# was worth it in the end #
# now it all seems so clear #
# there's nothing left to fear #
# so we made our way by finding what was real #
# now the days are so long #
# that summer's moving on #
# we reach for something that's already gone #
# gone, yeah #
# all the things I still remember #
# summer's never looked the same #
# the years go by and the time just seems to fly #
# but the memories remain #
# in the middle of september #
# we'd still play out in the rain #
# nothing to lose but everything to gain #
# reflecting now on how things could have been #
# it was worth it in the end #
# we knew we had to leave this town #
# but we never knew when #
# never knew how #
# we would end up here the way we are #
# we knew we had to leave this town #
# but we never knew when and we never knew how #
# of all the things I still remember #
# summer's never looked the same #
# the years go by and time just seems to fly #
# but memories remain #
# in the middle of September #
# we'd still play out in the rain #
# and nothing to lose but everything to gain #
# reflecting now on how things could have been #
# it was worth it in the end #
# yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah #
Good to see you.
Hey, Ryan, good to see you again.
Daughtry, ladies and gentlemen.
Come on down here, Chris.
No question why they're selling out arenas all over the place.
How does it feel to step into an
arena and sing in front of those crowds?
It doesn't get old.
It's an amazing feeling every night.
And we're fortunate we have fans that want to come up and see us,
and we don't take that for granted.
Why this called "September", I know it's very personal to you.
Tell me about it.
I grew up in a small town of like a hundred people and like
very simple childhood and thinking back of those memories
and how summer was like a big deal and then you get older and
it's not so much anymore.
And it just reminded me of, you know, the simplicity of my
childhood and how great it was
and how it made me who I was or am, brother.
I want to ask the judges, Ellen, for example,
Sitting there in the audience watching the contestants every week,
sitting there watching Daughtry perform,
what's the difference and
what can they take away from it, those who are still competing?
Well, hopefully, look, they've gotten this far.
There's not too much, you know, further to go.
You've seen these people that have made it and, I mean,
I'm so proud of y'all.
I don't know.
Just... just give us that for the next couple of weeks.
Just give us that kind of 100% which is what they just gave us.
Randy, you feel a difference?
Yeah, no, listen, you see that Chris is living the dream.
He started on the stage, on the show.
I mean, he's bigger than life and now he is great.
This is what you are inspired to be,
so I love when these contestants come back and you guys see this.
This is the dream that you wanna have, man.
It feels good for us.
I love it, I love it.
What would you say to those contestants who may make it
through tonight to be our top three?
- Stay hungry. - Big Mike, you hear that?
Stay hungry and actually don't compromise the music that you love.
Stick with what's true to you.
One of the best, ladies and gentlemen.
The band Daughtry.
We'll be back with results.
Hang on.
Back with you on "American Idol."
Your votes last night will be sending one person packing after
they've come so close to stealing a spot in our finale.
So far Casey has survived the cut and made it into the top three.
But who else will join him?
Bring down the lights and here we go.
Results in no particular order.
Let's start with Mike.
Michael Lynche, you sang "Will You Be There" from "Free Willy".
Randy and Simon didn't care for the song.
Ellen thought it was predictable.
Kara was hoping for goose bumps but didn't get them.
What were you looking for, kara?
What should he have done, in your opinion?
It's what he did with "Woman's Work," really, where he
took something that wasn't expected and did it in a way
that was original and really expressed who he was as an artist.
And we were very connected and moved by it.
Mike, talk about
getting that song to where you wanted it.
Was it tough for you?
It was tough. You know it's a really big song.
You listen to Michael Jackson It's like "oh it sounds so good, so effortless".
You don't realize that's his genius, and you try to sing it,
and it's not something that you can just do in your sleep.
It took time to prepare lock it into place and make it
right for my spirit and, you know, it was a song I was
connected to just because it makes you feel uplifted.
So it was a joy.
All right.
Let's go to Lee, Lee Dewyze.
You sang "Kiss From A Rose."
Ellen thought you could have done more.
Kara thought you got lost in the arrangement.
Randy and Simon thought it was a
poor song choice and verged on karaoke.
Did you feel criticism was valid, Lee?
Um, as far as karaoke, I mean, no.
But, I mean, I... I mean, I... I
don't, because I really did put everything into it.
But, at the same time, I know that it's a very popular song
and you probably can hear that at karaoke,
but I don't think I sang it karaoke.
And I probably could have done more with the arrangement,
but like I've done a lot with a bunch of the songs I've done
and I guess this one I just wanted to stay true with,
but I'm happy with what I did last night and
I'm just hoping to move forward and do better.
Well, hang tight for one second.
Thank you, Lee.
Crystal Bowersox, everybody.
She sang "I'm Alright" from "Caddyshack."
Randy appreciated that you switched it up.
Ellen and Kara thought you made
The song better than the original.
Simon said you are back in the game.
Simon
What did you see in terms of her redeeming herself?
It was just overall a much better
I thought the last two weeks before that was okay and
this was the artist which we feel enough few weeks ago.
So, I meant what I said last night, you're back in the game.
You've got a real show.
Here we go, guys.
After the nationwide vote Mike, hang tight for a second.
Lee, friends, Lee is headed back to Chicago.
To celebrate.
He's in the top three.
Lee Dewyze.
So it's either going to
be Michael or Crystal who goes home.
Find out what you decided after Bon Jovi rocks the stage next.
Thank you for choosing "Idol" tonight.
If you can hear me, if you want to hear any of the music you
heard last night, head to iTunes and download it all.
We're putting the results on the back burner for a second
as we welcome to stage as a legendary band
That's been seing out stadiums around the world for over 25 years.
With "Superman Tonight," Bon Jovi.
# there's something about you #
# I want to rescue #
# I don't even know you so what does that mean #
# maybe I'm cynical #
# I'm painfully logical #
# you're tragic and beautiful #
# and that's good enough for me #
# you're looking for a hero #
# but it's just my old tattoo #
# tonight I swear I'd tell my soul to be a hero for you #
# who's go save you #
# when ther sky #
# who's going to pull you in #
# when the tide gets too high #
# who's going to hold you #
# when you turn out the lights #
# I won't lie #
# I wish that I #
# could be your superman tonight #
# if you #
# an angel to save you #
# what would you tell him to turn him away #
# that your heart don't break #
# that your lips don't kiss #
# that le is just a lie #
# that heaven don't exist #
# who's going to save you #
# when the stars fall from your sky #
# and who's going to pull you in #
# when the tide gets too high #ªâ
# when you turn out the lights #
# I won't lie #
# I wish that I #
# could be your superman tonight #
# who's going to fix you #
# the next time you break down #
# stranded alone by the side of the road #
# it's your bga t dragging you down #
# don't look back let it go #
# oh, oh #
# who's going to save you #
# when the stars fall from your sky #
# and who's going to pull you in #
# when the tide gets too high #
# who's going to hold you #
# when you turn out the lights #
# I won't lie #
# I wish that I #
# was your superman tonight #
# your superman tonight #
Bon Jovi.
Come up here.
Unbelievable, as always.
Come up over here. Come over here.
So come on, gang.
All right.
Number one touring band in the world.
Another number one album.
How is that you guys can continue to do this year after year?
You know, hard work, good luck.
Good friends who put us in the right place.
Are you thrilled or proud when you see the crowds?
Humbled.
We've crossed generations. Just point.So it's just really great cause...
You have a lot of stress.
You are so good.
The harder we work, the luckier we get.
That's pretty much the way it is.
Congratulations on all the success.
Bon Jovi there.
I'd get a ticket, but you're sold out everywhere.
On the other side of the break, more results.
Either Michael or Crystal leave
the stage tonight live next.
Back with you live, an intense moment on this stage.
So far Casey and Lee are safe.
They're on the couch.
They've made it into our top three.
So what have you guys been talking about
since you've been safe the last couple minutes?
Um, well, I'm just take it all in right now still.
But I think we're also thinking
about those guys up there, you know.
Because once you get through, it's like whew,
and I feel for anybody that's everbeen on that side
so like it's just right now, I don't know.
- We've just been kind of all over the place. - Yeah, it's overwhelm.
I love you, Lee!
Never expected.
I thought when you said my name that I was gonna go home.
I was getting ready to sing.
Is that what you thought?
But um... like he said, hoping for the best for everybody.
This is the rest of situation, so just still kind of way.
You've got your family up there.
There is so overwhelming.
So you see them on the couches.
Now let's get back to mike and crystal.
One of them will be in our top three.
Good luck to both of you.
Dim the lights.
Here we go.
The person who is in the top three
after the nationwide vote is...
Crystal.
We have to say goodbye to big Mike.
Crystal Boweox, congratulations.
You may take a seat.
Thanks, guys.
One of those who speaks of tense, intense guys we've ever had on the television show.
A guy that was saved, what, five weeks ago.
So what do you make of this entire ride, Mike?
You know, it's been unbelievable, man.
Unbelievable.
You know, I just sit here right now.
And I think I wasn't even supposed to be here.
And thank God for the judges saving me and
I got to spend more time here and be with the people.
It's been good for my wife.
It's all good, man.
Let's take another look at Michael's journey here at "Idol" once.
The baby's coming?
Oh, man.
I just can't believe I'm not there for this.
But God's got a plan.
I came here to "American Idol" to
really take my family's life to another level.
# my racing heart #
I've never cried after hearing something like that.
It's amazing.
It's the best performance we've had
of all these live shows so far.
# think I better leave right now before I fall a deeper #
I thought that was incredible.
That was beautiful.
# somebody better show me how before I fall any deeper #
We have decided we're going to see you next week.
Mike is a good person look up to.
He's always there with a big bear hug.
He's a genuine, caring individual.
Anybody here likes big Mike.
It's amazing that my little girl will be able to see that
her dad was trying to be something
so that she can have a better life.
Before Mike sings, Kara, this guy is one of a kind.
What advice do you have for Michael as he takes off?
Do not stop.
Keep going.
Write great songs.
Record great songs.
And above all, go out and sing your heart out every night.
Keep digging, because you've got it in you.
Want to take it away?
Michael Lynche, ladies and gentlemen.
Here he is one more time.
# hold me le the jordan #
# save me #
# they toldea man should be faithful #
# walk when not able #
# fight 'til the end #
# I'm only human #
# oh, yeah #
# everyone's taking control of me #
# seems like the world is a over me #
# I'm so confused what youhow to me #
# you'll be there for me #
# hold me #
# hold me now #
# lead me #
# oh, lead me now #
# lift me up # oh, carry me #
# oh, yeah #
# I will be there #
Michael Lynche.
A guy who auditioned and had a baby along the way.
We're going to miss him.
Keep it going. This is not jump out, keep it going.
See you tomorrow on the show.
You're going to be fine.
As we say goodbye to Michael,
we have got your top three, ladies and gentlemen.
Want to thank our judges once again.
Rickey Minor and the band, as always.
And thanks again to you at home for voting.
We will see you next week on "American Idol."
Your local news is next.
Michael Lynche, everybody.