RECAP: 'American Idol' Selects Its Top Three

by UInterviewMay 11, 2012, 12:00 amNews >

American Idol narrowed it down to three on Thursday. Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips (pictured) are all advancing to the finals, while Hollie Cavanagh — a powerhouse singer who received the worst reviews from the judges on Wednesday — is going home.

Often underestimated, Cavanagh, 18, outlasted contestants like Skylar Laine and Elise Testone, but it was her rendition of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" that seemed to showcase her flaws instead of her strengths — namely, that she does not seem to emotionally connect to the song in the way that is necessary.

"I didn't really feel nervous singing that song," Cavanagh told MTV News. "I really did love that song, and I definitely felt it, but I've said this every time. It's one thing for me to feel it, but if nobody else does, then that's not how a song should be performed."

Before Thursday's elimination results were announced, Season 7 winner David Cook took the stage to perform his new single “The Last Song I’ll Write For You,” followed by "Idol matriarch" Jennifer Lopez, who gave a fiery performance of her song, "Dance Again."

Watch the video here:

Jennifer Lopez "Dance Again" live on American… by HumanSlinky