The American Idol Top 3 — Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Joshua Ledet — will return to their hometowns this weekend to film their hometown visits. During these visits they will learn which songs have been selected for them by producer Jimmy Iovine and the show’s judges, and they’ll spend time with family, friends and fans before the final performances.
Each finalist is scheduled to perform three songs on next Wednesday’s performance show: Jimmy’s Choice, the Judges’ Choice and Their Choice. These three distinct selections are designed to showcase the contestants’ versatility and connect them with the audience through personal favorites, expert picks and a high-profile industry selection.
The hometown segments will air during Thursday’s results show. That episode will also include performances from guest artists: Season Eight runner-up Adam Lambert will sing his single “Never Close Our Eyes,” and Lisa Marie Presley will perform “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” from her new album, Storm & Grace.
The official press release confirms the Top Three and offers reactions from each finalist about what they are most excited to do when they return home. After a season-high 70 million votes were cast this week, the Top Three were revealed. Hollie Cavanagh received the fewest votes and was eliminated, paving the way for the three finalists who will compete for the title.
With only two performance shows remaining this season, viewers are encouraged to tune in next week. On Wednesday, May 16 (8:00–10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top Three will perform the three songs chosen for them and reveal how they interpret each selection on stage. The following night, Thursday, May 17 (8:00–9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), host Ryan Seacrest will announce the Top Two finalists who will advance to the Grand Finale.
In addition to the competition results, Thursday’s results show will feature the aforementioned performances by Lisa Marie Presley and Adam Lambert, offering viewers both the competition drama and major musical guests in one evening.
As they prepare to return home, each finalist shared moments they’re most looking forward to during their hometown visits:
Joshua Ledet: “Performing at the Burton Coliseum. I’m excited to see it filled with my friends and family!”
Jessica Sanchez: “I’m excited to see my friends and family and I want to visit Eastlake Middle School. I love my fans in San Diego so much. I want to give them all kisses!”
Phillip Phillips: “There are so many things I am looking forward to — seeing my family, jamming out with the guys, chicken and cheese nachos and homemade chicken pot pie!”
These hometown visits are a longstanding American Idol tradition that gives finalists a chance to reconnect with the communities that supported them throughout the season. The segments typically include intimate moments with family, celebratory crowds, and scenes from local landmarks or performance venues chosen by the contestants. For fans, the hometown shows provide a closer look at each finalist’s background and the people who helped shape their musical journeys.
Next week’s live performances will be critical as the judges’ selections, Jimmy Iovine’s picks and each contestant’s personal song choices come together on one stage. Viewers should expect emotional moments, exciting collaborations and performances that highlight the finalists’ strengths as they compete for votes and a coveted spot in the Grand Finale.
Be sure to watch both the Wednesday performance show and the Thursday results show to follow the Top Three’s hometown narratives, hear the song selections, and see which two contestants move forward to the final showdown.