Texas, baby!
Home, sweet home, man.
This whole day's been so much more than I could ever have expected.
This is arguably the most important night of your life.
This is the moment.
You haven't compromised yourself as an artist.
I'm comfortable in my own skin. I'll be happy no matter what.
Didn't quite work for me, man.
I wish you would have brought it.
I just want my fans still like it. That's what I mean.
You showed us everything you've got.
Round one goes to Lee.
I'll take that.
That was awesome.
There's no way I'd be where I am
right now if it wasn't for my family.
This fits you like a glove, nice work.
I have to make sure my kid has everything he needs.
That's the only reason I'm here.
We have somebody else in it to win it right here.
I'm doing what I love right now.
I want to do this the rest of my life.
Lee, you are what this show is all about.
The two facing off in the finale are...
Ê±¼äÖá£ºÌÒÜçÜç MAX¤ÎÒÀÒÀ Money1026
Good evening.
Welcome to "American Idol".
I am Ryan Seacrest.
Tonight we find out who makes it into the finale.
You ready?
Plus, Justin Bieber is here with us.
And we've got a new artist by the name of Travis Garland performing live for you.
Let me thank you for last night's support.
Over 47 million votes came in.
One week from tonight we are live at the Nokia Theatre L.A.
Live for the finale and who will win this Season 9?
We'll find out soon.
Of course, the judges are here.
Randy Jackson.
Ellen Degeneres.
Kara Dioguardi.
And, Simon Cowell.
By the way, we're all on the finale of "The Simpsons".
That's very funny.
It's coming up on Sunday.
- How are you? Very good. - I'm good, how are you?
Say hi to the three people who have made it this far, your idols. Bring them out.
Casey, Crystal, and Lee.
One of them takes it home.
Who is it going to be?
Let's chat over here for a second.
Head to the couch.
I just want to get sort of inside your head a little bit
and talk about perspective on the show.
How has it changed since you auditioned, Casey?
Well, you know, everything changes because at first,
I mean, I had no expectations of even getting past the stadium.
So then you make it past that level.
Then you want to go to the next level,
so on and so forth, you know.
Is it surreal?
Yeah, yeah, it's hard to imagine.
It really sunk in when you went back home.
Then you realize this is so much
more than anything you ever expected.
How about for you, Crystal?
My perspective has changed because from an outside view,
you don't see how much work goes into this.
And, I mean, we sing, you know, once a week or whatever.
But that whole week is just full of press and rehearsals
and, I mean, everything.
It's been a crazy ride.
People don't realize that you're working all the time
when you're competing on this show, right, Lee?
It's a lot of work.
You know, I've run into people outside of here.
They're like, oh, how was the show yesterday?
So you got a week off, till the next Tuesday
No, not really.
But it's just... it's totally different than I would ever thought it would have been.
And it's made me a better person. I mean, just... it's made me realize a lot of things
about myself that I probably wouldn't have known
if I wouldn't have gone through something like this.
But staying true to yourself and doing what you want to do
mixed with trying to do the right thing on the show is...
it's a hard thing to tackle.
I think it's just... you know, being pushed to give more of yourself
and to drive harder and work harder than you ever have in your life
just makes you a stronger and better person.
As we get closer to the finale, did you picture winning?
Did you ever picture being there in that moment,
winning this show?
You're smiling and nodding no.
No, no, I never thought I would get this far.
But to me at this point it's like, you know,
winning... winning $10 million in the lottery
or winning $100 million in the lottery.
It's so much more than I ever expected.
So it can't be bad, you know.
What about for you, Crystal?
Yeah, definitely, I've thought about it.
And, you know, hoped it would come.
I'm cool with whatever happens.
But I would love to win.
Lee, do you want to win?
Yeah.
You want it?
You really want it?
I want to win.
But like, truthfully, you know,
when you're going through all these steps,
winning is... it seems so far.
You know, when you get to the top 24
when you get to every cut that goes through,
it seems so far away.
Then when you get to this point, it's like... you know,
I've never wanted to win more than I do right now.
I mean, it's just... you... you feel it.
When you're so close, you just... you want to win.
Right now, right now, it's like we're
at the stage where anything's obtainable.
We're there.
We're right in the home stretch of it.
How is the balance of the competition and your real lives going?
Real lives?
The life that you had before.
That's friends and families, you know, I think you guys both go through the same thing.
A lot of people might want to keep in contact with you, try to talk to you,
and you're like there's so much going on
that you'd love nothing more than just go back home hang out with them
and talk to them for hours, but you're so wrapped up in a lot of this
and right now this has to be the main focus.
It's hard to not hurt feelings.
You get like... personally get like at least 150 text messages, like, a day.
If I took the time... I try to take the time,
and I'll just spend back a smiley face or something.
I feel horrible.
But I think people understand that I just don't physically have time.
You can tell them right now.
Sorry, everybody.
I'll get back to you. I promise.
You get tugged in a million
different directions.
I'm a mom.
I have my son.
He gets any minute of my free time.
Then I've got my diabetes to take care of, too.
I've got doctors calling me, getting check-ups
and making sure everything's in order with that.
And it's just... you know, there really is no free time.
How are you doing?
I'm doing good.
I've never been healthier in my life.
Thank the Lord for this show.
Because I would never have the care that I have now
if it weren't for "American Idol",
and that's just an amazing thing, amazing.
Randy, when you sit here and look at these contestants,
what do you see in them in terms of the progression?
Listen, we were talking about it the other night.
Lee when he first came in was so shy.
Dude, you blossomed beyond belief.
You know what I'm saying so I'm really happy about that.
I think you really found your center and found yourself
and the kind of artist you want to be.
I think the same thing happened a little for Crystal.
She was the kind of artist we thought would probably
never try out for a show like this.
She was for of an indie kind of artist.
She's grown immensely as well as Casey.
Being a guitarist, a singer, and being from Texas,
all that legacy with Stevie Ray Vaughn and all those people,
you guys have found direction and listened to us a bit
and we helped, even sometimes in our confusion a little bit,
you know what I mean?
Everything you guys have said has been helpful
and we try to take it as constructively as possible.
It's been awesome.
Thank you.
The other day, every week that you're here,
you just want to do the best you can.
So any advice, whether it's positive or negative, is still advice.
Casey, you're grinning from ear to ear.
I was just thinking not every single comment was usable.
Sorry.
With all due respect.
When we come back, we go to Cool,
Texas with Casey for his homecoming.
We'll be right back.
Back with you live on "American Idol".
Tonight we discover who has made it into the finale.
But before that,
here's a look at the top three in the Ford Music Video.
# I'm a wild one #
# ooh, yeah #
# I'm a wild one #
#I'm a wild one #
# I'm a wild one #
# ooh, baby #
# I'm a wild one #
# baby, I'm a real wild child #
Get up americanidol.com to check out the Ford Music Videos
and find out how you can get tickets to the finale
and drive a Ford Inspired Fiesta.
Last week our top three had chance to go home
- and they were treated like rock stars, weren't you? - Yeah.
- Did you have a good time? - It's awesome.
Throughout the season the popularity has gained and gained.
First up, we go to Texas with Casey James.
Watch.
Texas, baby!
Home, sweet home, baby.
I'm home.
They're really stopping traffic.
They're actually stopping traffic for me right now.
Look at that.
Hey Casey!
People want to know do you have a girlfriend?
Do you have anybody in your life right now?
- No. - No?
I was not expecting this at all.
We're on our way to Cool, Texas, my hometown.
And I'm really excited to see my family and meet my fans.
Can't imagine a whole bunch of people coming to see me,
so we'll see.
Look at this.
Oh, my word!
Uunbelievable, man! This is my hometown.
This is where I grew up.
This is a dream come true for me,
and for my town to be able to share it with me is unbelievable.
Casey James signed my little silver dachshund.
I love Casey James!
What the hack!
This is crazy!
Thank you so much.
I love you.
We love you.
Holy.
Good luck next week!
Casey, Casey, Casey, Casey!
Six years ago I was in an accident and right now
I'm on my way to do something really special,
going to the hospital to thank doctors and nurses,
all the people that saved my life and put my arm back together.
Casey, Casey, Casey.
Love you!
- How are you? - It's good to see ya.
I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you guys.
These are the people who saved my life,
and fixed my arm up, my leg up.
Thank you all.
You were there.
To the good people that saved my life, I love you.
Casey James.
You know, when he got home from the hospital,
he asked me to put the guitar in the bed with him, and I did.
I think he's used it a bunch.
Thank you so so much, yelling all the tonight.
I'll see you all on Tuesday.
I love you Texas!
Incredible story. Incredible story.
Just watching that, you wonder what were you feeling
when you saw that doctor and had a chance
to say those words?
It was intense, man, you know.
You don't get a chance to... I mean,
if I'd gone back any other time,
it would have been, hey, you konw, you know, great.
But then it means even more, I think.
So it was just really good to get a chance to say thank you.
What do you feel emotionally when you watch that?
It's... you know, when my mom cries, I cry.
So even watching it, it's a close call.
Well, congratulations on everything.
It's a tremendous story.
Thanks, man.
We will see if Casey makes it one step closer to the crown later in the show.
Next, Travis Garland takes the stage with his new single.
Back with you on "Idol".
Tonight we find out who will fight on stage next week at the finale.
All the idols from this year,
say hi to them.
They will be there.
And if you want to see the top 10 on the summer tour,
you can go to americanidol.com.
Tickets are selling very fast.
Right now, friends, we are going to bring out an artist
who was discovered by a guy that
championed Lady Gaga and Katie Perry, Perez Hilton.
Hi Sam!
Yeah, I'm much taller.
Kidding.
So tell me about how you discovered Travis.
I discovered Travis online.
He posted a cover he did of this T.I. and Justin Timberlake's song he did, "Dead And Gone".
And I was just very, very impressed.
What impressed you about him?
The fact that he was better than Justin Timberlake.
- Which is a lot to say. - There's a clip.
Ok, well, icy cold in here now.
With "Believe", put your hands together for Travis Garland.
# Believe in me #
# I'm looking at the future #
# I see it in your face #
#¡¡I don't know where you came from, you came from #
# You can tell me on your way #
# I ain't no casanova #
# And I'm not feeding you no game #
# Your heart's been broken over and over #
# I'll make you trust in love again #
# you know way too many of these same old guys #
# they tell way too many of these same old lies #
# ain't just anybody, put your faith in me #
# I will make you believe #
# believe #
# yeah, yeah #
# hello, heart #
# let me in #
# all your cracks #
# I'm gonna mend #
# hello, heart #
# let me in #
# I'm gonna make #
# you try again #
# you know way too many of these same old guys #
# they tell way too many of these same old lies #
# girl, I ain't just anybody #
# put your faith in me #
# I will make you believe #
# I'm gonna make you believe #
# believe #
# oh oh #
# I'm gonna make you believe #
# oh #
Welcome back to American Idol.
If you think you have what it takes to be here on this stage next season,
come to the auditions this summer for season 10.
We are going to Nashville, Neworleans, Jersey city and San Francisco.
You can check American Idol... There's a fan of San Francisco.
American Idol.com for more details.
We still have your results coming up,
plus Justin Bieber performing.
First, we continue checking in with hometowns.
We're off to Ohio with Crystal.
Watch this.
# Home to Toledo #
Here I come.
Super exciting out here.
Crystal Bowersox has finally Landed.
What's it like to be home?
It's good to be home.
But I'm going to the station.
Let's go, let's go, let's do it.
Tomorrow is Crystal Bowersox day in northwest Ohio
and you're going to be everywhere.
So weird.
- Are you freaked out? - Yeah.
Good night, Toledo.
It's really early in the morning.
We're on our way to see what the day holds.
You better, you better bathe, though.
I got a tattoo, sweetie.
I'm not lying.
Come on, what are you doing, come on.
Lordy, lordy, lordy. Lot's of people
I love you.
Thank you.
I just want to toy with them a little bit.
Hey guys.
Crystal, Crystal!
Hi, Crystal!
I just love that girl with the flowers.
I want to give Crystal the key to the city of Toledo.
Right now we're on the way to my dad's house.
We're going to have a little family barbecue.
My son's going to be there.
I can't wait to see him.
There's my baby.
Hey!
How are you doing?
Good. I love you.
After all these weeks you've been gone...
She's back right here.
I can grab her.
That's great.
Say geez.
All right, guys.
Time for Bowersox.
Here we go.
Toledo County Commissioner proclaiming May 14
Crystal Bowersox day!
Mama Bowersox rocks!
# gonna get to heaven from here #
I don't have words to describe it.
It's just... I'm speechless. That's all I got.
# gonna get to heaven from here #
Home, sweet home, right?
Home, sweet home, man.
You're laughing.
You're crying.
It's a roller coaster.
We got a chance to hear some of your music there, too.
I've been fighting all season long for some originals.
They used "Holy Toledo". It's one of my... I wrote.
Why is it special?
I mean northwest Ohio has been in a slump for a while.
A lot of areas are
But that song is one of my originals, and it's the anthem
for my city, and it's just given the area so much hope.
It's something to look forward to,
and that's what this is all about, man.
Very emotional evening.
Congratulations.
Your son must be proud of all of this. You are on the way.
Good luck to Crystal.
We're going to go home with Lee Dewyze now.
Watch this.
Chicago, I am finally home.
Here we go.
This day is going to be absolutely amazing.
We want Lee!
This is so cool.
It's Lee Dewyze!
One minute you're mixing paint working in a store.
The next minute you're here.
You guys are awesome.
We love you.
Now we're off to the cubs game for the home first pitch.
Oh,my god. Are you kidding me right now?
It's Crazy.
We're waiting for him. Come on, Lee!
I'm about to go into the elementary school.
I can't wait to see the kids.
This is going to be awesome.
What a guy, what a man, what an american idol.
Holy crap. I've been home for the first time so long.
I used to drive this road to work.
Just thinking about it. Wow.
So this is where I used to work every day.
Man, this is just amazing.
I couldn't have asked for more.
I thank you guys all.
I want to try to win this thing, all right?
This whole day's just been so much more than
I could have ever expected.
Now I get to see my family again,
which is going to be amazing.
I am so proud.
I am, too.
I don't have words.
I know.
Oh, my gosh!
I love you guys so much.
# in the clearing stands a boxer #
# and a fighter by his trade #
# and he carries the reminder of #
# every glove that laid him back #
# cut him 'til he cried out in his anger and his shame #
# I am leaving, I am leaving #
# but the fighter still remains #
# la, la, la #
I'm going to get in a parade tomorrow
and I'm going to go back.
When I do, all I'm going to be thinking about is all of you.
This is the best day of my life, everyone.
Absolutely the best day of my life,
and it's thanks to all of you.
Lee Dewyze.
What does it feel like to make your father so proud?
We saw a shot of him a moment ago.
What does it feel like for you?
It's amazing, because you go through so many different things.
Whew. This whole thing has just been insane and crazy and awesome.
And when I was up there just looking back now,
when I look down at my parents, they were there, too,
to have their support and to see them
when I'm up there doing what I love to do,
no one can ask for more than their parents' support,
So thank you guys for everything.
Good luck to you. When we come back,
find out who you voted into the finale.
We don't want to miss it.
The results are coming up and Justin Bieber next.
You are locked on the show where you decide
who becomes an overnight superstar
sort of like what's happened to this next guy.
He's singing "You smile" and "Baby."
Justin Bieber.
# oh, yeah #
# I wait on you forever #
# any day, hand and foot #
# your world is my world, yeah #
# ain't no way you ever goin' #
# get any less than you should #
# 'cause baby #
# you smile, I smile #
# oh, you smile, I smile #
# everybody #
# take my broken heart #
# I won't hesitate to give you more #
# baby, you smile, I smile #
# you smile, I smile #
# because whenever you smile, I smile #
# oh, whoa #
# you know you love me #
# I know you care #
# You shout whenever and I'll be there #
# you want my love #
# you want my heart #
# and we will never, ever, ever be apart #
# are we an item #
# girl kwit playin' #
# we're just friends #
# what are you sayin' #
# that there's another look right in my eyes #
# my first love broke my heart #
For the first time #
# and now I'm like #
# baby, baby, baby #
# I¡¯m like baby, baby, baby #
# like baby, baby, baby #
# oh, I thought you'd always be mine #
# baby, baby, baby #
# I¡¯m like baby, baby, baby #
# I thought you'd always be mine #
# yeah, yeah #
# yeah, yeah, yeah #
They left their jobs,
their families, they put their lives on hold for
a shot at this very moment.
Welcome back to American Idol.
Good luck to all of you.
The results in my hand.
Dim the lights and here we go.
Lee, you chose "Simple Man."
Ellen thinks you've grown from a shy little baby lamb
into a springy carefree gazelle.
For your judges' choice, Simon picked "Hallelujah."
Simon said the performance proved you are a fantastic singer.
Crystal, you sang "Come To My Window."
Randy didn't like the arrangement.
Ellen thought it was the perfect song choice.
For the judges' choice Ellen picked "Maybe I¡¯m Amazed."
And you made her proud.
Casey, for your choice you did "Ok, It's Alright With Me."
Randy said the song was just alright with him.
Ellen and Kara weren't blown away.
For your judges' choice, Randy and Kara picked "Daughters."
They liked it and they saw the artist in you.
After the nationwide vote...
The first person in next week's finale is...
Lee Dewyze.
Congratulations.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
You're in the finale, buddy.
Take a seat.
Joining Lee for a shot at the title is Crystal Bowersox.
Am I safe?
You're safe.
I¡¯m safe.
We say goodbye to Casey James, ladies and gentlemen.
- You are safe. - Thank you.
I can't believe it, man.
I'm so thankful for the opportunity.
And... It's been an amazing, amazing journey.
And I¡¯m just so honored that I¡¯m here.
It's amazing.
We're going to have
Casey do it one more time on the stage before we say good night.
Take it away, Casey James.
# I know a girl #
# she puts the color inside of my world #
# she's just like a maze #
# where all of the walls are #
# continually changed #
# I¡¯ve done all that I can #
# stand on her steps with my #
# heart in my hands #
# now I¡¯m starting to see #
# maybe it's got nothing to do with me #
# fathers, be good to your daughters #
# daughters will love like you do #
# girls become lovers #
# turn into mothers #
# so mothers be good to your daughters too #
# boys you can break #
# find out how much they can take #
# boys will be strong #
# boys soldier on #
# boys would be gone without the #
# warmth of a woman's good, good heart #
Ê±¼äÖá£ºÌÒÜçÜç MAX¤ÎÒÀÒÀ Money1026
Casey James.
- I'll see you tomorrow. - Yeah.
As he hugs the judges, let's take a look at his journey.
- I'm willing to do anything I need to do. Absolutely. - Yeah.
What about unbuttoning your shirt a little bit?
Victoria, don't you want to see it?
What are we doing?
Personally, I say yes.
My life won't ever be the same.
Opened my eyes to a whole new world
and the possibilities are just a minute, it's amazing.
# my racing heart is just the same #
I suggest you come down here and give this one a kiss on the lips.
# so I say think I better leave right now #
I think you're probably the best musician/guitar player we've had on here.
You are eye candy, but you're also ear candy. You're actually going to sing very well.
Goldilocks, I think it was the best performance of the night.
We love Casey!
I have a crush a Casey a little.
- My boyfriend knows it. - What!
I can never forget all the things that happen to me. Definitely, I like to change things.
- Casey, just want to shake your hands when you can. - All right, buddy.
Casey James, we've see a lot in it.
- Thanks very much for the moment. Congratulations. - Thank you very much. Thanks, dog.
So that means it's down to these two right here, Lee and Crystal.
Get to the finale.
One of them is your next American Idol.
We'll find out next week.
We'll look into this next. Good night, America.