Author: Shirley Halperin

Michael Becker / Fox

Kree Harrison is somewhat of an anomaly among American Idol finalists. Hardly one to lean on bubblegum pop for song picks, she sings from the heart — blues, authentic “country & western” — with a focused maturity that you rarely see.

So it really should come as no surprise that the Woodville, Texas 22-year-old would make it to the final 2 on season 12. Yet, the odds were against her.

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Season 12 Finalists’ Hometown Visits

“I bought suitcases,” she told reporters after the elimination show, which sent presumptive frontrunner Angie Miller home. “I knew eventually I would go home and I really thought tonight was it. I can’t even believe it. I feel so thankful that people believe in me enough to give me the opportunity to sing again.”

Indeed, she’ll sing a few more times as she goes up against Candice Glover for the winner’s spot (a coin toss determined that Harrison will sing first). The two girls, along with Miller, have gotten exceptionally close throughout the months-long competition. “We were saying how proud we are of each other no matter what happens,” Harrison revealed. “We’ve grown so much as artists.”

STORY: Randy Jackson Exits ‘American Idol’

Her plan going forward: to listen to judge Randy Jackson, even on his final days with the show: “Randy was so sweet and said, ‘Next week, don’t think about it — just sing your heart out,’” Harrison recounted. “It’s exactly what I’m going to do. … I’m going to give it my all just so I’ll have no regrets. Whatever happens, I’ll know I did my very best.”

Besides, added Harrison, “I’m now one step closer to making a record and that’s all I want to do — make music.”

Twitter: @Idol_Worship

Michael Becker / Fox

Kree Harrison is somewhat of an anomaly among American Idol finalists. Hardly one to lean on bubblegum pop for song picks, she sings from the heart — blues, authentic “country & western” — with a focused maturity that you rarely see.

So it really should come as no surprise that the Woodville, Texas 22-year-old would make it to the final 2 on season 12. Yet, the odds were against her.

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Season 12 Finalists’ Hometown Visits

“I bought suitcases,” she told reporters after the elimination show, which sent presumptive frontrunner Angie Miller home. “I knew eventually I would go home and I really thought tonight was it. I can’t even believe it. I feel so thankful that people believe in me enough to give me the opportunity to sing again.”

Indeed, she’ll sing a few more times as she goes up against Candice Glover for the winner’s spot (a coin toss determined that Harrison will sing first). The two girls, along with Miller, have gotten exceptionally close throughout the months-long competition. “We were saying how proud we are of each other no matter what happens,” Harrison revealed. “We’ve grown so much as artists.”

STORY: Randy Jackson Exits ‘American Idol’

Her plan going forward: to listen to judge Randy Jackson, even on his final days with the show: “Randy was so sweet and said, ‘Next week, don’t think about it — just sing your heart out,’” Harrison recounted. “It’s exactly what I’m going to do. … I’m going to give it my all just so I’ll have no regrets. Whatever happens, I’ll know I did my very best.”

Besides, added Harrison, “I’m now one step closer to making a record and that’s all I want to do — make music.”

Twitter: @Idol_Worship

Michael Becker / Fox

“I’ve been wanting this all of my life, so it feels great,” said a beaming Candice Glover after American Idol’s top 3 results show on Thursday.

Still, the 23-year-old St. Helena Island, South Carolina native cracked, she’d spent weeks “practicing my songs for when I get cut. … Just because you have a good week, doesn’t mean nobody else did. You can’t just be, like, ‘I did good — I’m going through.”

But Glover had a very good week, impressing the judges with her vocal chops and ability to connect with songs of varying genres. The only person who’s not happy with her performances is Candice Glover herself. “I didn’t like any of them, to be honest,” she told reporters. “I’m a perfectionist and I can always find something that I could’ve done better.”

PHOTOS: ‘American Idol’ Season 12 Finalists’ Hometown Visits

It made for a somber, reflective morning, as Glove explained: “I woke up and I was, like, ‘Today is a crucial day, but no matter what, you got to the top 3. That’s not bad. So make sure you don’t be crawling all over the stage crying if you go home tonight. It’s OK.’ I gave myself the talk, if you go home, it’s alright. … So I was definitely surprised. Did you see me run?”

At the same time, Glover says she was equally thrown to learn that Angie Miller was being sent home. “I was shocked because I was going through this whole thing, like, ‘Angie is going to win. She has an amazing voice she has the personality.’ … I’m gonna miss her so much because she brought the sunshine. She’s taught me how to be more energetic and more into what I’m doing. She’s super talented and will be at the top of the charts by next year.”

STORY: ‘American Idol’: Why Candice Glover Should Win

Glover had equally warm things to say about Kree Harrison, who she said was “also amazing.”

Less than a week from the finale, Glover is planning to dive into her songs for the big season closer. “I’m mentally and musically preparing myself and digging deep into my songs,” she said. But first: “I need eight hours of sleep.”

Twitter: @Idol_Worship