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(S07E40) This is it, the penultimate episode and possibly the most tense and contested results of the whole season. Based just on the comments here, fans of each contestant are passionate, so you can expect the world to erupt in chaos tonight, especially if David goes home. Syesha has been the comeback queen, but I don't know if she has what it takes to break through into the Finals, and after last night's performances I certainly don't think she did enough there. Join us here for our live chat and live out the excitement with billions (give or take billions) of other Idol fans and see who's going to vie for the title of American Idol in next week's finale!

You can join the chat by following this link. Look for the full episode review right here later tonight.

Three contestants remain which means there was a lot of vamping to be done to fill a one hour results show. Why not fill it with a former Idol winner who can show Syesha how "Fever" should be sung on that stage: Fantasia. At least the choreography for that horrible opening number was as horrible as expected. The three remaining contestants are so very different in singing style and genre that they should never really be singing together on the same song as it's just not going to work for all of them. Tonight the number went better for Syesha than the Davids. With all the potential of the Top 24, how did we end up with this Final Three? Are these the best three vocalists in the competition? I don't think so, but then this happened to us last year as well, didn't it. And this was the week we lost Melinda Doolittle, arguably the strongest vocalist of the Top 3.

Need more American Idol? Get an inside look at Season 7's contestants and think back to these scathing (and hilarious) Simon Cowell quotes. Also: Don't forget to choose your favorite Idol!!

Ford Commercial - "Heaven"
The best part of this Ford commercial was how amazing Syesha looked in it. Beyond that, I can believe that Syesha dreams of gold records and David Cook of strings of guitars and cars, but does David really dream of his picture at the bottom of a pool? I doubt it.

"Bore Me (Yawn)," Fantasia
Fantasia always knew how to command the Idol stage with an infectious energy that's rarely been paralleled, save by fellow winner Taylor Hicks. I was one of those people who absolutely loved both singers for their unique voices, and Fantasia had some of the most amazing performances ever on the show. But this song was a bit strange for me. She sounded like classic Fantasia on it, but it was so frenetic throughout, it was an odd fit for the usually treacly performances that make up American Idol. I loved the cut to Simon's face, who wasn't getting it at all.

David Archuleta Goes Home
Little David was all smiles throughout his video package, I think he never stopped his awkwardly uncomfortable giggling on his entire trip home. He hit up the local news, radio and then hit the mall, declaring that he didn't think very many people would be there. I guess he's never watched the show as there's always a lot of people who show up to greet finalists, except I think for Katharine McPhee from jaded LA.

David was moved to tears by the tremendous support back home. And he said "Gosh" about a million times. It was a beautifully sincere moment for the Archuleta family and for the mayor's amazing mustache. After the video package he said "Gosh" again because we got to see him cry. Then they showed his American Idol journey so far, so I guess you can fill an hour by doing a goodbye package for all three finalists, too.

Syesha Mercado Goes Home
Syesha was all smiles and so appreciative to have made the Top 3. She hit the morning news show before heading off to sign some autographs and being moved to tears of her own when Syesha Mercado Day was declared for her home county. She was met by her entire extended family in her neighborhood for a brief visit before trekking off to her high school.

Syesha's trip didn't seem to have nearly the crowd support of David Archuleta until she came over the crowd in Sarasota by helicopter for her performance. In tears, she declared again that she was living her dream. Ryan then ran down her performances from the night before and we got her farewell package. She got Fantasia for her farewell video music, I guess because they're both black and both women. Way to put some effort into that selection, Idol.

David Cook Goes Home
Ryan revealed that at the Omaha audition, David went in having no intention of auditioning. But when cameramen were interviewing his brother, whom he was there to support, they started to interview him and essentially pushed him to audition as well. If he wins this thing, what a crazy story to tell about how he got his big break. He owes those folks something big. And his brother was a tremendous sport, brought up on stage to tell the story.

David one-upped the other contestants by giving the weather forecast during his morning news visit. Despite the weather, David was blown away to be greeted by a huge fan for his outdoor mini-concert. He then snuck to his elementary school to surprise his music teacher for inspiring him to get into music in the first place. This was done in the auditorium in front of the screaming student body; was it really a surprise? The Idol cameras tried to catch David in tears, but while overwhelmed he was able to keep things mostly under control. He even got to throw out the first pitch at a Royals game. All in all, an amazing experience for David. And he got Daughtry, another "rocker" for his farewell video proving that those folks at Idol are just that clever.

Finale Bound
Fifty-six million votes later, we're finally ready to see which of these kids is going to face off in the Idol finale next week. The writing would seem to be on the wall for Syesha, again, as the Davids seem to have been on a Finals collision course for months now. First through the gate was David Archuleta, but it was only to introduce his going home and farewell videos, which we were going to get for all three contestants. There's no reason to divide the kids up anymore. Syesha Mercado came out second to get her video treatment, followed by David Cook and his.

Rather than announce the people going home, Ryan announced the contestants heading to the finale, and it was the inevitable David v. David finale everyone's been anticipating. Syesha has nothing to be ashamed of as she did an amazing job to get this far. Had she put together a stellar Tuesday night yesterday maybe she could have gotten in to the finale, but even then it would have been a likely long shot.

My Picks
If I get it right next week, then I can wind up still just shy of .500, but I guess I'll take it. With the right pick on Syesha, I crept up to 10-12.

Your Picks
You guys kept up your strong run, picking Syesha as well elevating your total to 14-8.