‘American Idol’ Says Goodbye To One Contestant, Gears Up For Finale

“American Idol” has named its final two.

Just one week ago, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox grew close as they dueted on “Falling Slowly,” from the movie “Once,” but next week, the two will battle it out for the “American Idol” crown. The promotion of the show’s two major frontrunners from Season 9 to the finale meant that judge Kara DioGuardi’s crush – Texan Casey James – was cut from the competition.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity. It’s been an amazing, amazing journey,” an un-ruffled Casey said after learning the news. “I’m just so honored that I’m here. It’s amazing.”

Crystal didn’t quite believe it when show host Ryan Seacrest announced she was in the final (he gave Lee the good news first).

“Joining Lee for a shot at the title is… Crystal Bowersox,” Ryan said, as the dreadlocked singer looked perplexed.

“Am I safe?” she asked twice.

After a moment though, the news finally sunk in. Crystal quickly told Casey to “keep playin’” before running over and jumping on her “Falling Slowly” buddy, Lee.

Earlier in the evening, both Crystal and Lee expressed their desire to take the crown, before they even knew they had safely made it into the finals.

“I’ve thought about it and I hoped it would come. I’m cool with whatever happens, but I would love to win,” Crystal said.

As for Lee, whose determination to win had been doubted by the judges all season, he also said he is ready.

“I’ve never wanted to win more than I do right now and that’s, it’s just, you feel it and then when you’re so close, you wanna win,” he said.

Crystal added that they felt on top of the world.

“Right now we’re at the stage where anything is obtainable. We’re there. We’re right in the home stretch of this,” she said.

Additionally, the singer and mom said that as a result of “Idol,” she’s been able to better manage her juvenile diabetes.

“I would never have the care that I have now if it weren’t for ‘American Idol.’ It’s just an amazing thing. Amazing,” she noted.

In addition to naming the two finalists, “American Idol” also featured footage of the “Idols” returning to their hometowns.

Read about Crystal’s visit HERE, Lee’s visit HERE and Casey’s HERE.

The elimination show also featured performances from Perez Hilton protege Travis Garland and teen sensation Justin Bieber.

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