Total shock was the reaction among the audience when "American Idol" finalist Chris Daughtry, who predicted by many to be the last singer standing, was booted off in Wednesday's voting.

In the most competitive "Idol" race yet, Daughtry's exit narrowed the contestants to three. The winner will be named May 24.

"Surprised?" Host Ryan Seacrest asked an unsmiling Daughtry, visibly caught off guard.

The other "Idols" stood speechless, mouths agape. Even the judges usually unflappable didn't foresee Daughtry's ouster: Simon Cowell's jaw fell slack; Paula Abdul's eyes filled with tears.

Contestants sang Elvis Presley classics two songs each in Tuesday night's program. Daughtry's cover of The King's "Suspicious Minds" drew rave reviews from judges, including Abdul, who said "See ya in the finals."

Cowell called his second performance a rendition of "A Little Less Conversation" "flat" and "not as good as the first."

Nearly four years since its debut, "Idol" continues to rule the ratings. It has attracted 25 million to 33 million viewers each telecast this season.