[big'ol_freeper]

As hard as they tried.....three whiter than white finalists.

[silent_jonny]

Hi, Big & Lil!

As hard as they tried.....three whiter than white finalists.

And all straight too (I think) from flyover country and the evil South!

[silent_jonny]

Maddie Poppe

Singing her own song, "Don't Ever Let Your Children Grow Up". Much deeper than anything the Idol song writers could come up with.

Luke: I miss that song. I was happy to hear that again. Quintessential Maddie Poppe.

Lionel: Owning your style. Welcome back. You have to love you. You have to like everything you do on stage. That was very comfortable.

Katy: I love that you took a risk. At least the world knows you're authentic as heck.

Seacrest saunters over to the judges' table.

Katy: I thought the first round was a disaster. WAKE UP!

Seacrest: You scared our stage manager.

[silent_jonny]

Gabby Barrett

Singing Journey's "Don't Stop Believing".

"I was in Journey, dog."

We know, Randy.

Gabby does a pretty good job with this. Then there is some chaos off camera ... near where Gabby's parents are seated.

Katy: What's happening?

Then we see ... STEVE PERRY! Most of the audience has no idea who he is. They applaud politely.

Katy: (to Steve) I feel like you should give the critique.

Steve Perry: She was amazing, that's my critique! That was the most amazing version I've ever heard.

[silent_jonny]

Maddie’s Homecoming

.

[silent_jonny]

Maddie Poppe

Saving the best for last, Maddie sings Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide". Perfect song for her.

Standing-O from the judges.

And ouch--what happened? Maddie hit her mouth with the microphone, but she's okay.

Pressed for time, the judges' comments are brief.

Luke: That's why I signed up for this.

Lionel: You've done an amazing job, my girl.

Katy: I'm voting for you.