AI3 viewers were treated to a solid hour of entertainment tonight, capped off by the most satisfying expulsion of the season.

The high point of the night was an appearance by Tamyra Gray, who performed two self-penned songs off her new album, which will be released next week. Despite Tamyra's fourth place finish in the premiere edition of the show, if tonight is any indication, she could actually end up as the break-out performer of that season, even eclipsing the already waning star of Kelly Clarkson.

Tamyra's first number was Star, which had been previously used as incidental music for the audition rounds of the show. Hearing her perform it live, however, was an absolute revelation. Not only was the song itself quite impressive, Tamyra absolutely brought the house down with the sheer energy and passion of her singing. Raindrops Will Fall, which she had previously performed this season, is a slower song, but she continued to fire on all cylinders for her a second crowd-pleasing appearance.

Also appearing was current Australian Idol champion Guy Sebastian. The crowd was less receptive to him than they were to Tamyra, but he fared just as well with his signature Idol song, Angels Brought Me Here.

The additional filler tonight was at least marginally interesting. Three short segments followed each of the remaining finalists as they returned to their hometowns last week to appear on radio talk shows, visit their high schools, and be followed around by hundreds of adoring fans.

It wasn't until the final moments of the show that we got to the real meat of the program. With only three contestants left, there was no need for any nonsense about the bottom two or top two. With all three girls lined up on stage, Ryan Seacrest announced, after what may have been the longest dramatic pause in the show's history, that Jasmine Trias received the least votes last night and, as I predicted, will be leaving the show.

Next week, Fantasia Barrino will take on Diana DeGarmo for the American Idol title. The results are likely to be as close as they were last year for Ruben and Clay. No matter who wins in the end, America can expect to see a great show.