Jessica Sanchez in Top 3 as ‘Idol’ sends Skylar home

Fil-Mex Jessica Sanchez belts out “Proud Mary” during the eliminations of the popular musical talent show “American Idol” on May 4, 2012. Sanchez is now in the top 4 of the competition where the winner is scheduled to be crowned on May 23. Photo grab from https://www.americanidol.com

MANILA, Philippines—Jessica Sanchez was in the Top 3 as nationwide vote of 60 million sent Skylar Laine home Thursday (Friday in Manila).

Hollie Cavanagh, who  had one of her “best nights ever” on Wednesday, joined Laine in the bottom two, the popular US television show said in its recap.

The latest elimination brings the number of finalists to four as the Fox singing competition moves “closer to finding out who will be our next American Idol,” it said.

Earlier, Idol host Ryan Seacrest called Sanchez and Laine to center stage and gave them mixed reviews. But after 60 million votes were counted, it was revealed that Laine was the latest to be booted out of American Idol.

Jennifer Lopez and Hollie Cavanagh “teared up” as Laine said her goodbyes.

“I’ll take a lot from this experience — friendship, memories,” Laine said in her farewell video. “I’m gonna put this toward my career in the future.”

The four finalists will return to the stage next Wednesday and face another elimination Thursday.

An 11th season “Idol” champion is scheduled to be crowned May 23.