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By Jill Berry 

Last night we found out who the two finalists will be next week and take a trip home with the top three. To start with, Ryan sat all three down for an impromptu interview. They all agreed how amazing and surreal this whole experience has been and I learned that they work all week leading up to each show. It sounds like it’s much harder than it looks, but at the same time, it’s a very valuable learning experience. Which, in my opinion, is priceless. 

Casey James takes us to his hometown of Cool, Texas: cool name for a cool guy. The town named the day after him, gave him a key to the city and had a parade in his honor. I found it especially touching when he stopped at the hospital where he wanted to give special thanks to the doctors and nurses that saved his life after a horrible car accident. 

He will be a celebrity in his own right after this show and I know he won't lose that gratitude for where he is no matter how 'big' he gets. 

We take trip to Toledo, Ohio with Crystal where we see her perform her own original song 'Holy Toledo'. She calls it the 'anthem' for her hometown and how it has given people hope through the hard times. They even named her live concert for her fans, 'Bower Stock'. Like Casey's, it’s a very touching home town visit. 

Then we head to Chicago with Lee Dewyze and the emotions continue to ride high. He had the honor of visiting Wrigley Fields and throwing the first pitch for the Chicago White Sox. This is another guy that I can't see ever losing his endearing humbleness and shyness or the gratitude that shines in his eyes no matter where his fame leads him. 

Truth be told, this is probably my favorite part of the season (besides the hilarious auditions, of course) when the finalists go home. When they are riding their individual emotional rollercoasters, I'm right there with them. Even though I can't begin to know the depth of their feelings, I can still find some commonality with it in my own life.

I have myself a good little cry and cleanse away the cobwebs of stress that accumulates and enjoy the fact that I am right once again in my predictions. 

Casey James is going home to stay and Lee and Crystal will battle it out next week for the top honour of being the next American Idol.

Enjoy the long weekend, Idol fans, and stay safe!

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