Angie Miller - the favorite to win American Idol since the Hollywood rounds - was sensationally booted out of the competition on Thursday (May 9, 2013). Miller stunned the judges earlier in the competition with a performance of her original song 'You Set Me Free' and even changed her name from 'Angela' to 'Angie' as audiences warmed to her.

However, Miller's run on Idol ended at the top three after her elimination last night. It followed Wednesday night performances  of Elton John's 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word,' Pink's 'Try' and Emile Sande's 'Maybe' after which she was deemed to be the round one winner. Following her shocking elimination, she was often unable to sing the lyrics to her exit song after being overcome with emotion.

Miller's exit paves the way for a final including Candice Glover and Kree Harrison, slightly underwhelming for Idol audiences. Once this year's victor is crowned, the show looks set to undergo a major overhaul with veteran judge Randy Jackson already announcing his exit. According to industry website The Wrap, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban are also set to get their marching orders are a season of poor reviews and worse ratings. 

Elsewhere on the semi-final, the American Idol runner-up from two years ago, Lauren Alaina, returned to perform 'Barefoot and Buckwild,' the first single from her second studio album. Alicia Keys also sang 'Tears Always Win' from her strongly received 2012 album 'Girl On Fire.' Judge Mariah Carey premiered the video for her new single '#Beautiful,' featuring Miguel.