Aspiring country singer Kree Harrison performed the Rascal Flatts song 'Here Comes Goodbye' on 'American Idol' on Wednesday night (May 8), earning effusive praise from the judges after turning in an emotional performance.

Harrison was fresh from a triumphant hometown visit as one of the final three contestants this season, which she called "draining and rejuvenating." The visit included a parade, a hometown concert and an emotional visit to the house she grew up in, which was the last place her family was together before she lost both of her parents.

She seemed to channel all of that emotion into her performance, breaking out of a run of not-as-strong-as-usual performances in recent weeks with one of her standout songs of the season.

Nicki Minaj praised her for the power of a true, genuine emotional connection. "I am so super proud of you," she told Harrison, saying she felt every word.

"You just sang your heart out!" Randy Jackson exclaimed, calling her rendition "unbelievably beautiful."

Mariah Carey agreed, saying, "There's something about you in general -- no matter what happens from here, you will always, always have this." She also praised Harrison for her pure, real quality.

Keith Urban was equally impressed, making it unanimous among the judges. "It was the perfect song," he said. "You had me from beginning to end."

Harrison will learn her fate on the results show Thursday (April 9). If she moves on, she will compete against one other singer to see which one wins season 12 of 'American Idol.'

Watch Kree Harrison Perform 'Here Comes Goodbye' on 'American Idol

Kree Harrison 2nd song, Top 3 ~ American Idol 2013 by HumanSlinky

 

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