Georgia teen Stephanie, who auditioned in Memphis, became Simon’s early favorite after singing the Alicia Keys version of “How Come You Don’t Call Me.” Utterly pleased, Simon couldn’t wait to tell Stephanie, “You were a million times better than any [previous Top 24] performance. Most importantly, you came out and it looks as if you said I'm here to win American Idol!’”



In a pre-performance interview with Fox, Stephanie says she only “worked with a vocal coach for a month,” but what a month it was! Calling Justin Timberlake and Beyonce Knowles her favorite performers, Stephanie says her pre-show ritual is to pray. “I pray to God, “If it’s Your will, let it be done.”



God was obviously on her side when she offered up Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love” in the second semi-final performance round. Randy was clearly moved during the performance, telling the singer "You look[ed] hot, sang your face off and proved you should be here.”

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