STAGE TUBE: AMERICAN IDOL Recap - After the Elimination

Last night, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez were named the Top Three AMERICAN IDOL finalists. One of them will be crowned the next AMERICAN IDOL, but not before all three travel back to their hometowns, to see family, friends and fans. After America cast a season-high 70 million votes for their favorite finalists, it also was revealed that Hollie Cavanagh had received the fewest number of votes and was eliminated from the competition. See what happened after the elimination below!

With only two performance shows left in the season, tune in next week, Wednesday, May 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Three return to their hometowns and find out what songs the judges and Jimmy Iovine have chosen for them to perform. Each finalist will sing three songs: "Judges' Choice"; "Jimmy's Choice"; and "Their Choice."

Don't miss the live results show the following night, Thursday, May 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when host Ryan Seacrest will announce the Top Two finalists who battle it out in the Grand Finale. In addition, Lisa Marie Presley will perform "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet," from her new album "Storm & Grace," and Season Eight runner-up Adam Lambert performs his new song, "Never Close Our Eyes."

As the Top Three prepare to return to their hometowns, here's what they're looking forward to:

JOSHUA: "Performing at the Burton Coliseum. I'm excited to see it filled with my friends and family!"

JESSICA: "I'm excited to see my friends and family and I want to visit Eastlake Middle School. I love my fans in San Diego so much. I want to give them all kisses!"

PHILLIP: "There are so many things I am looking forward to - seeing my family, jamming out with the guys, chicken and cheese nachos and homemade chicken pot pie!"

The Top Three finalists are:

Joshua Ledet Hometown: Westlake, LA Age: 20 Keep up with Joshua at: www.twitter.com/JLedetAI11 www.facebook.com/JLedetAI11

Phillip Phillips Hometown: Leesburg, GA Age: 21 Keep up with Phillip at: www.twitter.com/PPhillipsAI11 www.facebook.com/PPhillipsAI11

Jessica Sanchez Hometown: San Diego, CA Age: 16

Keep up with Jessica at: www.twitter.com/JSanchezAI11 www.facebook.com/JSanchezAI11

On last night's results show, global superstar and AMERICAN IDOL judge, Jennifer Lopez, performed her hit new song "Dance Again." Season Seven AMERICAN IDOL winner David Cook also returned to the IDOL stage to perform "The Last Song I'll Write For You."

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

See what happens every Thursday when the show ends, but the cameras keep rolling, as the eliminated finalist says an emotional goodbye and exits the IDOL stage. Visit www.americanidol.com for this exclusive insider's view each week after the West Coast broadcast of the results show, as well as for exclusive videos, interviews, photos and special behind-the-scenes information.

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