by Gina Scarpa

 

It's clear that the viewers are invested in American Idol this season. Over 95 million votes came in last night for Scotty, Lauren, and Haley!

 

The final three, and James, got to visit the studio at Bad Robot to check out footage of JJ Abrams' new movie "Super 8" and then are given cameras for their hometown visits. Back in the studio, Elle Fanning (one of the stars of the movie) giddily told Ryan that her 6 year old cousin picked Scotty to win from the beginning but I think somebody's got a cru-ushhhh...

 

The first hometown video to be shown is Haley's. In Wheeling, OH, Haley had a day named after her by the mayor and reunites with her family and close friends that she left behind to come do American Idol. A parade is thrown in her honor and kids line the streets, screaming her name. At her former high school, the gymnasium is packed with supporters, bringing her to tears. Finally, she heads to the race track where 30,000 people watch her sing live.

 

After a break, Italian group Il Volo performs "O Sole Mio" - their lead singer looks like a cross between Bruno Mars (at his Grammys performance) and Joe Jonas.

 

Scotty's hometown visit to Garner, NC is up next. He starts off his day with a trip to a local radio station, where he's mobbed both outside and inside the studio by screaming girls. You'd think he was the next coming of The Beatles or Elvis! After a quick stop home, he heads to Garner High to see his baseball team, friends, and fans. In the car, he breaks down at the overwhelming support he received. After he stops at the grocery store, he rides through the town to a concert where the number of people is absolutely countless. To top things off, Josh Turner surprises him while he performs "Your Man". Could his visit be any more perfect?

 

Next up, Nicole Scherzinger teams up with 50 Cent to perform their new song "Right There". Well, no one will give that song any points for having a deep meaning.

 

Lauren's hometown visit to Rossville, GA is the last to be shown and she's crying before she even steps off the plane. She starts things off at an AT&T store where she meets some fans and signs autographs. Next, it's on to her high school where a day is named in her honor. She takes some time to see the destruction the tornados left behind a few weeks back and it's too much for her to take. You have to respect a girl that can take a trip meant to be all about her and take the time to make it about other people. People line the streets afterwards to cheer her on in a parade in her honor and things end with a concert while tens of thousands of people screamed for her.

 

Ryan tortures the final three by making them wait until after a commercial break to find out their results.  The first person in the finale is Scotty - obviously!  Sometimes, I still can't believe that the same kid from Hollywood week is now the favorite to win the whole thing.  He'll be joined by Lauren.. and Haley is eliminated from the competition one week shy of the finale.

 

Who will win American Idol - Scotty or Lauren?

 

 

Don't miss the final performance of American Idol, Tuesday at 8/7c on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa