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'American Idol': Top 3 Elimination Results Recap

by Hilary Rothing, posted May 19th 2011 10:45PM

After 95 million record-setting votes, the most ever at this point in the competition, we learned the fate of the final three.

But not before Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent, accompanied by a very loud smoke machine, took to the stage for our entertainment. Add J.J. Abrams and an Italian boy band to the mix and you've got yourself another totally random results show. Also on tap was a more extensive look at the Top 3 homecoming visits this past weekend.

A pre-taped segment (emphasis on "pre," as 4th-placer James Durbin was even in it) kicked off the show, with the Top 3 heading to J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot offices to check out some top secret footage from his latest flick, 'Super 8.' The four finalists did their best to act like they might know who Abrams is, but it was no Tommy Lasorda moment, for Scotty at least.

Back to the live show, 'Super 8' star Elle Fanning was just beyond giddy talking to Ryan Seacrest about her 6-year-old cousin's obsession with Scotty McCreery. Dakota must be so embarrassed ...

The first hometown visit featured was Haley's return to Wheeling, Ill. Mobbed by swarms of screaming, crying fans, Haley was overwhelmed by the attention, especially considering the dreary weather that welcomed her home. After stopping by her high school, Haley performed alongside her parents for 30,000 fans at Arlington Park, despite the rain. It was a sweet moment for the Top 3 underdog.

Next up, it was Ford music video time featuring the kids tossing a football, making sandcastles and playing volleyball at the beach, while recording their antics with a Flip Cam. Guess there's only so much you can do with three 'Idols' and a Ford Focus.

In a natural follow up to a plug for the All-American automaker, Italian boy band Il Volo performed in their native tongue. While not exactly 'N Sync in the style department, these guys can sing. But those red glasses. Maybe it's a European thing ...

Scotty McCreery's return to Garner, N.C., followed the Italian crooners. Surprisingly, the usually cool as a cucumber country boy was the most emotional of the Top 3 during his visit. Scotty broke down several times as he came face to face with throngs of adoring fans, almost all of them female and under 18.

After dropping by a local radio station and visiting his high school, Scotty stopped by the grocery store where he once worked, now with every aisle from dairy to freezer section jammed with Scotty devotees. But the highlight of his homecoming came when Josh Turner joined a stunned Scotty on stage to sing 'Your Man' a.k.a. 'Baby, Lock Them Doors ...' "I've only lived about 17 years, but this may be the best day of my life," Scotty said.

Next up, upcoming 'X-Factor' co-host Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent performed the former Pussycat Doll's latest single, 'Right There.' Whereas Katy Perry and J.Lo went way over the top with their 'Idol' stage show, this one was a bit underwhelming. It was almost impossible to hear 50 Cent over the party store rental smoke machine.

Finally, it was time to take a look at Lauren Alaina's return to Rossville, Ga., and neighboring areas. The bubbly teen was just as excited as her screaming fans. After visiting her high school, Lauren rode out to a nearby area devastated by the recent tornadoes. "That's where I played my last basketball game," said Lauren while pointing to a leveled high school. When she hit the stage later that day, Lauren told the massive crowd before her about the experience and thanked them for all their support.

All the feel good, warm and fuzzies of the homecoming visits would end soon though, as Seacrest prepared to read the results. After the usual commercial break fake out, we learned that Scotty made it to the finale, leaving Lauren and Haley to sweat it out.

The girl fighting to break the boys' three-year winning streak? Lauren Alaina. It's gonna be one southern fried finale, ya'll!

Some random observations from tonight:

-- Lauren's mom, Kristy, was on camera quite a bit this evening, with a different 'do each time! Can't wait to see what she whips up for the finale!

-- "Thank you for freaking out" - Haley, to a rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth fan.

-- Though she seemed to be comforting Lauren before the reveal, Haley did not make any attempt to feign happiness for the finale-bound teen. Well, she's never been one to hide her feelings, which is why we love her, right?

-- "J.J. Abrams is in it to win it!"

-- Rebecca Black would not approve of the kids watching videos while driving a Ford Focus. Just saying ...

Whew! Who's it gonna be guys, Lauren or Scotty? And more importantly, what will Lauren's mom be wearing next week?! Let 'er rip in the comments, vote for your 'American Idol' choice in the poll and for more on tonight's results, check out a new 'Something Pitchy!'

'American Idol' airs next Tuesday and Wednesday at 8PM ET on Fox.



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sisdoll47

I am disappointed in Idol this year. I think the talent was good and in some cases exceptional. I feel that the judges did not do a good job. In some cases they pick the winner of the evening before they listen to all the singers. Who cares what they think. Realize that American Idol is a popularity contest of singers.
I live in North Carolina, I liked Scotty from the beginning. I thought the final 4 should have been Haley, Scotty, James and Casey. Each had their own special style and each were exceptional in that style.
Now we have a country run off. I like Lauren, she is cute and she has a good voice. I think she is just too young.
Of the two that are the finalist. I hope Scotty wins because I am from North Carolina. I wish them all God's blessing.

May 23 2011 at 11:08 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
silynily2011

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May 23 2011 at 3:31 AM Report abuse -3 rate up rate down Reply
Hello Lori

I'M SO SICK TO MY STOMACH ABOUT THIS "NOT SO IDOL SHOW", THAT I WILL NOT WATCH IT ANYMORE..EVER SINCE SIMON LEFT, AND THEY KEPT RANDY, A MORON, AND BROUGHT JLO, A BIGGER MORON, THE ONLY JUDGE WHO WAS FAIR MOST OF THE TIMES WAS STEVEN TYLER..JLO AND RANDY FROM THE BEGINNING WERE FAVORING LAUREN AND SCOTTY. WHY? LAUREN CAN'T SING HIGH NOTES, SHE WAS HORRIBLE MOST OF THE TIMES, IS FAT, HAS A BIG NOSE, AND IS A CRY BABY. SHE NEEDS MATURING, AND TAKE SINGING LESSONS. SCOTTY IS A JOKE TOO. I DISLIKED HIM SINCE HE DID NOT AGREE TO BACK THE KID THAT DID NOT HAVE A GROUP TO JOIN, AND WHEN ASKED BY THE JUDGES, HE SAID" WELL, I GUESS MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE"..AND THEN AFTER THAT, HE KEPT TRYING TO GET INTO GOOD GRACES WITH JLO, ABOUT BEING ONE QUARTER PUERTORICAN. LOL. I HEARD GOOD JOKES, BUT THIS ONE TOPPED IT ALL.. HALEY, JAMES, CASEY ARE BETTER OFF NOT WINNING, BECAUSE NOW THEY CAN CHOOSE THEIR OWN RECORDING COMPANIES AND BECOME BIG STARS LIKE DAUGHTRY AND JENNIFER HUDSON..BECAUSE IDOL'S RECORD LABEL DON'T DO MUCH FOR THEM AFTER WINNING. THEY HAVE TO BE LUCKY IF THEY MAKE IT. THE ONLY ONES THAT HAVE MADE IT IN 10 YEARS ARE KELLY CLARKSON AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD, THE OTHERS DISSAPEARED INTO THE SUNSET AND WERE DROPPED BY THEIR RECORD COMPANY..SO CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY, HALEY, JAMES, CASEY, BECAUSE WITHOUT "IDOL" YOU HAVE A BETTER CHANCE ON MAKING IT BIG, AND GETTING REAL BACKING BY THE OTHER RECORD COMPANIES THAT WILL BE KNOCKING ON YOUR DOORS..SO HALEY, CASEY, JAMES YOU ARE SO LUCKY NOT TO BE TIED TO THE IDOL CONTRACT, THAT LEAVES YOU TO FEND FOR YOURSELF AFTER RECORDING YOUR FIRST SINGLE, WITH NO BACKING WHATSOEVER..SCOTTY AND LAUREN, ARE NOT DESERVING TO BE ON THE FINALS, BUT THAT'S OK WITH ME, BECAUSE NEITHER ONE WILL MAKE IT OUT THERE, NOT WITH IDOL'S RECORD LABEL BEHIND THEM..AND THAT IS A FACT..I WILL NOT BE WATCHING THE BORING FINALE WITH THIS 2 JOKERS...I RATHER WATCH "THE VOICE" ON NBC..NOW, THAT IS A REAL BETTER TALENT CONTEST SHOW..I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE..CANCEL THAT DARN AMERICAN IDOL, IS NOT THE SAME ANYMORE, AND NOT WORTH WATCHING..I HOPE FORD, COCA COLA AND THE OTHER BACKERS DROP THEM, AND IT GETS CANCELLED..LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCH SIMON ON THE X FACTOR..GOD I MISS SIMON...

May 22 2011 at 8:43 PM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Hello Lori's comment
ftbrjb

Hello lori, Give it a rest. You ramble on and on and have no idea what you are talking about. Do you enjoy listening to your self ? You sound as though you really need help or need someone - anyone, to ramble on and on to. These KIDS that you are trying to dis-credit are only 16 and 17 yrs old yet you degrade them. You should be ashamed, but i don't believe you realize how far gone you are. Take a long look in the mirror and maybe, just maybe you can see the real problem in your so called life. Here is a FACT for you. Haley didn't make american idol last year as the judges let her go early due to her screaming/screeching on her songs, Everyone knows this except, maybe you. FACT, America voted her off this year for the same thing,- check the reviews. and her poor attitude, back talk to the judges,sarcastic remarks, so into herself, and her glaring defiance that the American Voters all seen and did not want her representing them or American Idol. Haley will never win or excel until she makes a lot of changes. Haley was interviewed and asked why she did not win? READ VERY CLOSELY. She stated that she has some personal problems to work out and she now knows why she lost. Haley knows, America's voters know, Now it's your turn to know.

May 23 2011 at 12:02 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
shnsdv

Speaking of needing to mature, you certainly should take your own advise. Calling a sixteen year old fat and a cry baby! Shame on you. I seriously think you need to get a life.
I am not a Scotty or Lauren fan but I would never call them names.

May 23 2011 at 10:43 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
ftbrjb

After Scotty wins the American Idol crown and starts releasing his cd's and starts with the personal appearances that will be throught the U.S.A. if he can cover the thousands of requests that have already been sent to him, maybe just maybe some of the idiots and scoffers and jealous posts will finally get it what the millions upon millions of American voters of all ages young and old see and hear in Scotty. Scotty received MORE VOTES THAN LAUREN and HALEY, COMBINED .Her is a young man that is clean cut, well mannered, respectful, humble, and religious. Only 17 and still has a Love for his Mom and Dad which was very evident all along. Scotty is already a Legend in the making and your next country Super Star - count on it. And what a role model he is for our young adults to look up to and admire and there isn't many today, sorry to say. If you watched his homecoming you seen the emotion and tears of this kid, yes kid, he is only 17. Scotty also showed his emotion and a tear, which America seen in his eyes and his song when singing about our 911 tradegy, even the judges noticed. So, what about Scotty? there will always be the low-lifes who will trash him because of jealousy, or i don't like country, or my pick lost and on and on. We just have to consider the source. Last but not least, we want to thank Scotty's Mom and Dad for raising such a fine young man and sharing his talent with the world. Yes, America got it right to put this fine young man into the finals where he will be AMERICAS choice once again when we crown him our AMERICAN IDOL. Goog Luck Scotty, and God Bless, from all of us your fans.

May 21 2011 at 5:51 PM Report abuse +6 rate up rate down Reply
3 replies to ftbrjb's comment
rad1959

J lo's got to go maybe dancing with the stars. After all really how much singing talent does it take to sing the same line over and over............ She has a famous a-- and thats bout it so dance to show off your assets on dancing with stars.She has no music talent at all and shouldn't be a judge especially with the biased chip she carries on her shoulders. Retracked your claws Jlo.

May 21 2011 at 11:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
KATHY'S FREE

Have to agree; Casey Abrams for me, had alot of talent, love the jazz genre, and the reason I believe he didn't make it to the top was because the teenie boppers and 20's + crowd, unless musicians, aren't into Jazz! It's the Late 30's "+ crowds that would appreciate his sounds. Teenie boppers and young people vote for the youth, most talented favorites, it doesn't matter how talented contestants are. I was hoping LaToya London, Jennifer Hudson, Melinda Doolittle to have a chance at the top!

May 21 2011 at 1:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
libraavp

Sorry guys !!!, Pia had the powerhouse voice,who was let go, & James was the best performer. The rest were ok, however, Scotty is really a great country singer who can for the most part record a cd right now, that being said, Haley had a bad attitude & thought she was hot ****. And if anyone noticed when her name wasn't called, how she showed a mean look toward Lauren & didn't even congratulate her. Her true colors came shining through on how phoney she really was., & had a lousey attitude problem, that cost her the votes.She deserves what she got for laughing when Pia got voted off.. Good luck to the final 2....I have a feeling James Durbin will be making appearances & become somewhat famous!!. It's not always the winner that makes it big !!!!... Also Hats off to the "IL VOLO" singers, unbelievable talant !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 20 2011 at 10:14 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to libraavp's comment
Hello Lori

HALEY DID NOT HAVE ANY BAD ATTITUTE..SHE IS THE REAL DEAL..AND I'M GLAD SHE DID NOT WIN, BECAUSE ONLY 2, THAT OUT OF ALL THE OTHER IDOLS IN 10 YEARS HAVE MADE IT ARE CARRRIE UNDERWOOD AND KELLY CLARKSON, AND THAT IS BECAUSE, THEY HAD GOOD TALENTS, BUT THE REST OF THE IDOL WINNERS NEVER MADE IT PAST THEIR FIRST SINGLE..IDOL LABEL DOES NOT BACK THEM AND LEAVES THEM ON THEIR OWN..JAMES, HALEY, CASEY NOW CAN CHOOSE A GOOD RECORD COMPANY THAT LIKE JENNIFER HUDSON AND DAUGHTRY, WILL BACK THEM 100% AND WILL HELP THEM MAKE IT BIG IN THE INDUSTRY..SO SCOTTY AND LAUREN, YOU GUYS WILL WIN A CONTRACT WITH EMPTY PROMISES AND WILL NOT MAKE IT, AND WORST OF ALL, YOU WILL BE TIED TO THEIR CONTRACT UNTIL THEY FEEL LIKE DROPPING YOU..DO YOU THINK JENNIFER HUDSON WOULD HAVE MADE IT SO BIG WITH IDOLS RECORD LABEL, "NO", AND NEITHER WOULD HAVE CHRIS DAUGHTRY..THEY ARE LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK WITH BIGGER RECORD COMPANIES AND GOOD RECORDING CONTRACTS BACKING THEM ALL THE WAY.. NO LOST FOR JAMES, CASEY OR HALEY..IDOL'S CONTRACT SUCK'S..

May 22 2011 at 8:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Hello Lori's comment
phillpwill85

You like your caps lock button dont you?

May 25 2011 at 10:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down
shnsdv

I think it would have been more phoney to pretend happiness. She was disappointed and hurt, but she handled it like a pro and a professional.

May 23 2011 at 10:45 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
John and Ellen

Haley was the most talented and versitile performer. The other two (especially Scotty) were essentially "one trick ponies." Haley's attitude cost her a victory, however. All of America saw a good example (once again) of her terrible attitude when she didn't even stay on stage to congratulate the winners. She could have greeted her fans and parents off camera. Not a good career move for Haley. She'd better lose the attitude or she'll be a big, talented failure.

May 20 2011 at 8:47 PM Report abuse +9 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to John and Ellen's comment
Dexter Morgan

Haley and James D certainly had total COMMAND of the stage/ audience...... and get my vote for the legit final 2.....

McCreedy's stage performance is like a beached flounder....he's so GEEKY......he's painfully scary....

Alaina has ZERO stage presence...... just stands there........

Neither of them would have made it through the Nashville Star auditions !!!!!

May 20 2011 at 10:07 PM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Dexter Morgan's comment
Hello Lori

I AGREE WITH YOU 100%..THIS SHOW IS A FRAUD..NO MORE REAL TALENT ON THIS YEARS FINALS..DO YOU HONESTLY THINK THAT THEY BOTHE WILL MAKE IT IN NASHVILLE?..THINK AGAIN, CAUSE LIKE LAURENS COICE, THERE ARE A DIME A DOZEN TRYING TO MAKE IT THERE AND HAVE NOT, AND SCOTTY IMITATES JOSH TURNER'S VOICE AND SINGS HIS SONGS..SCOTTY IS NOT UNIQUE..JAMES IS THE REAL DEAL, AND HE MADE IT FIRST, BUT SCOTTY, I DON'T THINK SO..NASHVILLE IS NOT SO EASY TO WIN THERE..NOT IF YOU COME IN IMITATINGJOSH TURNER..NOT WAY..WHAT A JOKE THIS YEAR IDOL HAS BEEN..JLO CAN'T SING AND SHE JUDGES OTHERS THAT CAN, AND RANDY WAS A BORE CRITIQUING THE GOOD PERFORMERS AND TRIED TO BE A CARBON COPY OF SIMON..GIVE ME ABREAK..THIS AMERICAN IDOL SHOULD BE CANCELLED FOR FRAUD..FIRE JLO AND RANDY, BRING BACK SIMON, PAULA AND KEEP STEVEN TYLER..

May 22 2011 at 9:08 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down
ftbrjb

DEXTER - TEX, You need to catch up on the news. NEWS FLASH, Scotty has already been asked to come to Nashville, as they also think this young man is going to be a Super Star. But that shouldn't surprise you after the 95 million votes on Idol that put Scotty into the finals which he will win. It's very dis-tasteful on your part to put down a young 17 yr old high school student who is clean cut, respectful, humble, and religious, yet every week this kid steps up on that stage and sings his heart out to America and to try and capture his dream. America has fallen in love with this young man who will Win Idol and be a role model for our young adults to look up to and admire, and there arent many, sorry to say.It just makes me wonder what you are when you can put down these teenagers who have again, sung their hearts out for us all.

May 23 2011 at 9:53 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down
rad1959

I strongly agree with you. Hailey grew the most through out this show from the coachingshe received.She did not respond appropriately to being eliminated but she is a competetive, driven ,teenager. It was not fair or rite and she knew it just like most that can get past differences over personalities.Yes she stood up to the judges when they treaded on what defined her and ritefully so.But for those that speak of her not being respectful of the judges thionk back to who it was who listen and grew every week.To be honest I didn't think she could cut it early on but she grew and proved me wrong.She will grow to be more forgiving and respectful as a adultwhen things arent done rite so you folks learn to forgive a little to.

May 21 2011 at 10:55 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
sandpebbles9

I will never watch that show again..it is fixed.

May 20 2011 at 8:30 PM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to sandpebbles9's comment
Dexter Morgan

Nothing is fixed ! What have you been watching for 9 seasons?????

If you have HEE HAW teeny bopper contestants...you will have HEE HAW teeny bopper voters ..voting by zip code and not by what they see and hear....

How do you that NO TALENT stiffs like Fantasia...Studdert...Hicks and Allen won ????

I said these would be the 2 finalists after the first week !!!!!

Any non HEE HAW zip code half wit or smarter...knows James D....Pia..and Haley...are the legit FINAL 3 !!!!!

May 20 2011 at 9:57 PM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
phillpwill85

I've been saying this for years, after Daughtry got voted off i was convinced that it was fixed

May 22 2011 at 10:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
viki

i really do not appreciate seeing performers who are definitely not family oriented, especially after seeing families with young children in the audience. last week was lady gaga, totally inappropriate and this week nicole's song, lyrics not family oriented at all. there is goodmusic out there that does not have to be sexual!

May 20 2011 at 8:20 PM Report abuse +8 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to viki's comment
phillpwill85

What you have to keep in mind is that there aren't many singers anymore that are family oriented because unlike the 60's and 70's it doesn't sell. The more skin you show, the more scandals your in, and the more straight crap that you can make come out of your mouth is what makes you famous. I mean come on think about it as a nation we voted for Bush twice, that should tell you something.

May 22 2011 at 10:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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