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'American Idol' says goodbye to Sunnyvale singer Dalton Rapattoni 

Dalton Rapattoni's emotional run on American Idol ended at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night.

The night began with the top 3 singers singing "Stole the Show" at center stage. As they hugged, hopeful host Ryan Seacrest gave the show rundown: three rounds and an elimination.

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The first round found each contestant singing the single they'll release if and when they win. It's so that when they win, it'll be "show time, go time," said Seacrest.

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Trent Harmon went first, singing a slow-burning "Falling." Rapattoni was next with an energetic and heartfelt "Strike a Match." La'Porsha Renae Jennings sang the anthemic "Battles."

"I can't feel my feet," said an almost levitating Rapattoni after he finished "Strike a Match." Soon, he would come just a hair closer to earth.

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Seacrest gathered the three on stage and announced that popular vote had Jennings safe first. Harmon was next. A beaming Rapattoni jumped up and down and yelled an emphatic "Yes!" and hugged Harmon.

Seacrest called Rapattoni an "incredible artist and performer, and a great guy."

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The second round was marked by showcase songs chosen for each performer left. Harmon sang "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and La'Porsha sang "A House is Not a Home."

The third round was the time to shine; it was the player's choice. Harmon chose "Chandelier," which showcased his range and the twists and turns in his voice. La'Porsha sang "Diamonds," which did the same for her. And the ovation lasted and lasted.

Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. told the performers that they were making this the hardest decision in American Idol history. Memories are short, but the character in the voices of these two singers is making it at least, well, memorable.

Rapattoni's smile may have been wider than the remaining two singers, both from Mississippi, who will find out the winner on Thursday night. The singer from Sunnyvale thanked America for staying with him this long. Earlier, Rapattoni talked about how he had always been a fan of American Idol.

"I never thought I would make it through the first round," he said.

Well, Idol showed him.