'IDOL' WATCH: Down to 3

Tonight, "Idol" learned who would make the top three. Last night's performances were some of the weaker ones we've seen this season, so it was a bit unclear as to who would head home before the night began. The results show featured a wide range of performances, from R&B star Fantasia Burrino to the rock styling of Daughtry and Bon Jovi, and were a great addition to an otherwise somber night.

Season three winner and Broadway star Fantasia Burrino was the first performer tonight, singing the R&B song, Bittersweet, the first single from her upcoming album that will be released this summer. Fantasia has a very good voice and it worked well with the song. She seemed a little weak on high notes, but nothing too distracting. I felt the song was a bit repetitive and didn't really think the dialogue in the middle really worked for a live performance, but Fantasia did a nice job with it.

Daughtry took the stage next, singing their hit September. The band features Chris Daughtry, another former "Idol" contestant who took fourth place in season five. The band is extremely polished and sounded excellent on the song. The harmonies were spot on and the performance was emotional, two aspects which contributed to the success of the performance. Randy pointed out that this is what the current contestants should be aiming for: Chris Daughtry was able to launch a huge career and succeed as an artist, something the final contestants should aspire to.

Superstar Bon Jovi was the last performer of the night, singing Superman Tonight. Bon Jovi is always a fantastic performer; there is a reason why he has remained popular for so many years. I hadn't heard the song before and thought it was quite catchy. Even at his age, he is still able to command the stage and show why he is one of the most popular rock singers of all time.

Casey James was the first contestant saved, a bit surprising in my opinion because I felt that he is the weakest link in the remaining contestants. Next to join him was Lee Dewyze, leaving Crystal Bowersox and Michael Lynche. Between these two, it seemed clear who would head home, a feeling that was confirmed later in the night when we learned Michael Lynche was voted off tonight. Lynche is a great performer, but I always felt he was a little one track. He never really sang anything other than the emotional ballad and, when he tried to change it up, he usually fell flat. Lynche has a lot of potential to succeed in the R&B genre, but he will have to work on his ability to undertake different types of songs.

Next week, each contestant will sing two songs: a judges' choice and a song they pick themselves. It's always a great week from "Idol" because the judges are experienced music producers and always know the right type of song to choose. The top three contestants in this seasons "Idol" are Casey James, Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox, and next week we will who will reach the finals in season nine of "American Idol." The top three will perform on Tuesday, May 18th, followed by a results show airing May 19th, beginning at 9:00pm EST.

"American Idol" is a reality competition to find new solo musical talent, created by Simon Fuller. It debuted June 11, 2002 on the Fox network and has since become one of the most popular shows on American television. It is currently the #1 TV show in the Nielsen Ratings and is one of only three that have been #1 for five consecutive seasons. The cast of "Idol" includes judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen Degeneres, and host Ryan Seacrest.

The program aims to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nation-wide auditions, and subsequent viewer voting. Through telephone voting, America has chosen past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Kris Allen.

Several "Idol" contestants have been seen on the Broadway stage, including Barrino (The Color Purple), Hicks (Grease), Clay Aiken (Spamalot), Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray, Hair), Josh Strickland (Tarzan), Tamyra Gray (Rent, Bombay Dreams), Constantine Maroulis (The Wedding Singer, Rock of Ages), and Ace Young (Hair).

"American Idol" airs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights on Fox at 8PM EST.