LOS ANGELES (AP) – Casey James was cut on Wednesday from 'American Idol', leaving Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze to duke it out in the finale of the popular Fox singing competition next week.

James, the long-haired 27-year-old musician from Fort Worth, Texas, was revealed to have received the fewest viewer votes after his ho-hum performances on Tuesday.

"I can't believe it, man," gushed James. "I'm so thankful for the opportunity."

James consistently gratified the judges throughout the contest with his bluesy stylings but never seemed to wow the panel, except the time when Kara DioGuardi asked the hunky Texan to remove his shirt during his audition.

But his fate seemed sealed on Tuesday when Simon Cowell compared his rendition of Eric Hutchinson's 'OK, It's Alright With Me' to a salad.

James' departure means either Bowersox, the earthy 24-year-old musician from Toledo, Ohio, or DeWyze, the bashful 24-year-old paint sales clerk from Illinois will be crowned 'Idol'next Wednesday.

DeWyze told host Ryan Seacrest that he's "never wanted to win more than I do right now", while Bowersox thanked the judges for their continued support.

"Everything that you guys have said has been helpful," beamed Bowersox.

The duo had long been considered to be the front-runners of the ninth season, never appearing as one of the show's bottom vote-getters.