Alex Preston, Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene are 1 week closer to having their dreams become reality on 'American Idol'

Jessica Meuse is eliminated

"American Idol" season 10 winner Scotty McCreery to perform Thursday

Two-Night Season Finale from NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE Tuesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 21

The hopefuls have been narrowed down to three amazing singers - Alex Preston, Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene - on "American Idol XIII." Their countless hours of practice, singing and dreaming will come to a head when the next "American Idol" is finally crowned in two weeks, but not before all three travel back to their hometowns, to see family, friends and fans.

On Thursday, host Ryan Seacrest revealed Jessica Meuse, 23, from Slapout, Alabama, received the least number of votes and was sent home.

With only two performance shows left in the season, tune in next week to catch a very special 500^th episode of "American Idol" on Wednesday, May 14 (8 p.m.), when the top three return to their hometowns and find out what songs the judges and mentor Randy Jackson have chosen for them to perform. Plus, in a new twist, each contestant's hometown fans will select their favorite song that the finalist has performed this season as the third and final song that Alex, Caleb and Jena must perform in the "Judges' Choice," "Randy's Choice" and "Hometown's Choice"-themed performance show.

Here's what the top three had to say about going back to their hometowns:

Alex: "Of course, I'm incredibly excited to see my family and friends, but I'm also looking forward to hitting the studio and jamming ... and getting a buffalo chicken calzone from The Pasta Loft!"

Caleb: "I can't wait to see all of the people who have supported me throughout this whole process. I'm also excited to see the Blue Ridge Mountains again ... and eat some BBQ!"

Jena: "After seeing my family and friends, I want to go back to my old job and eat a Coney Dog! I'm also excited to catch up on all of the high school drama that I've been missing out on. Being a senior, I've missed prom and spring break, so I'm excited to get filled in on the gossip!"

Don't miss the special one-hour live results show the following night, Thursday, May 15 (9 p.m.), when the top two finalists, who will battle it out in the grand finale, are revealed. Plus, "American Idol" season 10 winner and one of country music's hottest singers, Scotty McCreery, will return to the stage and perform his new song, "Feelin' It," off of his album, "See You Tonight."

In two weeks, someone's life will change forever as the top two finalists compete one last time from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles during the "American Idol XIII" two-day finale, Tuesday, May 20 (8 p.m.), and Wednesday, May 21 (8-10:06 p.m.).

For more information, or to vote, visit AmericanIdol.com. Fans can "Like" "American Idol" on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion using #idol. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @AmericanIdol.