American Idol

Melinda Doolittle was the last finalist to go home before the Season 6 finale.

They all look scared. Or excited. Or anxious. Relieved, maybe?

The the top three “American Idol” finalists sit on the couch waiting for the news. Who will make it to the finale? It’s a question we all have had on our minds for more than a week, since LaKisha Jones good the boot one week ago.

Last night proved to be one of the most entertaining nights in “Idol” history, and it really could be anyone’s game. There are good reasons for any combination to make it into the last week of the season. But, before we get too far, we must hear from last year’s top-three finalist, Elliott Yamin, and Maroon 5.

First, a recap of Jordin’s trip home to Glendale, Ariz. She arrived Thursday night and spent all day Friday visiting her schools, stopping by the local FOX affiliate and performing for friends.

“I’m just full of mixed emotions right now,” Jordin said during the visit.

Now, the results. “Jordin, America voted, and we’ll find out how you did a little bit later,” Ryan told the 17-year-old.

Next up is Blake.

During his trip home to Washington state, Blake performed with Sir Mix-A-Lot. His trip also took him to radio stations, to the top of the Space Needle and downtown for a concert. Blake then traveled by plane to his hometown of Bothell, Wash., where he greeted his parents in the driveway. Several other events, including singing the National Anthem, also were part of his extended trip.

Now a recap of Blake’s results. “America voted, and what do you think happens here?” Ryan asked. “We’ll cut to a commercial …,” Blake responded. Nope, a performance by Elliott Yamin.

Yamin performed “Wait for You” from his self-titled debut CD. Looking much different than he did just a year ago — and sounding much better — the singer proved why making it on “Idol” is enough to give you the boost you need to have a full-time career in music. But what do the judges have to say?

“You, dude, it was hot,” Randy said. “I’m happy you came home.”

“I’m speechless,” Paula said. “I’m so proud of you, I can’t even stand it.”

“Not great,” Simon said. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding. It was great.”

Finally, we go home with Melinda.

“I had a lot of sweet tea,” the finalist said of her trip back to Tennessee.

She met a group of dedicated fans in downtown Nashville, then learned it had been proclaimed “Melinda Doolittle Day,” before returning to the school where she said she learned she could sing. Then another honor, Melinda Doolittle Way, a street by the school, was revealed. Melinda then entertained the crowd before going to her church.

“It gave me a little extra to come through with this,” Melinda said of her trip.

Now, her recap from last night from Ryan Seacrest. “As you know, the votes came in, and the results are closer than they were …”

Before we actually get the results, Maroon 5 performs its latest single, “Make Me Wonder.” This season certainly has been bizarre in terms of all the celebrity guest appearances. Celine, Pink, Michael Bublé and a list that just keeps on going. None of these bands even were guest mentors. Hmmm. Look, now I’m guilty of the dragging on of results.

OK, here goes.

“Dim the lights, and now America’s results,” Ryan said.

“Let me start with Jordin,” he continued. “Would you step forward, please?”

Almost 60 million votes came in this week … “You have made it through to the ‘American Idol’ finale,” Ryan said. “Congratulations, Jordin!”

“Now, back at the center of the stage,” Ryan said. “Who will it be?”

“Melinda, will you step forward?” Ryan asked.

“America has decided …” Ryan said. “This is the end of the road for you, tonight, on ‘American Idol.’”

That means the finale puts Jordin against Blake for the top prize. It also means America got it wrong for at least the second time this season.

“You already have made it, Melinda,” Paula said.

Before she leaves her “Idol” career behind, Melinda takes center stage for a repeat performance of “I’m a Woman.”

American Idol, Elliott Yamin, Ryan Seacrest, Melinda Doolittle, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Maroon 5, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell