Smallscreen Features
'American' Idol Results: Syesha leaves the final three
By April MacIntyre
May 15, 2008, 1:58 GMT

Tonight's American Idol results show was an emotional roller coaster of hometown hero moments, parental and familial pride, and a revisiting of the paths of the three contestants who made is this far: Syesha Mercado, David Cook and David Archuleta.

The top three perform “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.”

Ryan mentions how close the 56 million votes were in the tally.

We have the replay of last night’s performances and what the judges had to say.

In a moment that I could have done without, Fantasia takes the stage in pink hair and screeches and hollers her performance; lay that egg already Fantasia.  Horrible stuff.   Have a gander:

Ryan calls David Archuleta to the stage and presents David’s homecoming video. David seems blown away by Utah's love for him.

We then see David’s journey to Idol.

Now it’s Syesha’s moment, as Ryan presents the video of Syesha returning to Sarasota, FL.

Syesha’s emotionally overwrought though her visit, and her dad's heartfelt speech to her makes me cry a little bit.  Once a daddy's girl, I suppose.

Winner hands down from last night, David Cook is the last to take the stage and we go to Kansas City, Missouri with him.

People are losing their minds, his music teacher Mrs. Gentry gets a surprise visit and Cook gets emotional during all of this too.  His family is over the moon for their prodigal son.

The final three step on to the stage and all look practically ready to hurl from the stress. The judges congratulate all three for their coming this far.

In a moment that will probably see someone lose their job, Seacrest tells Cook he performed "First Time Ever I saw Your Face" by ...Chaka Khan!  He later corrects his mistake, blaming his cue cards before credits.  You know Seacrest is yelling and/or canning someone right now for making him appear ignorant on TV.

Simon says the finale will promise to be a humdinger.

Ryan announces that the two people going to the finale are... David Archuleta and David Cook.

Syesha goes home to Florida with a whole new life.