Let the 'American Idol' party planning begin

"American Idol" fans looking to celebrate with a group have their pick of parties in Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect next week.

Just don't forget to wear your "Vote for Lee" T-shirt.

Anywhere between 5,000 and 8,000 fans are expected to flock to Mount Prospect's party Wednesday on the Village Green to watch Mount Prospect native Lee DeWyze battle Crystal Bowersox for the Idol crown.

The party will run from 5 to 10 p.m. with Idol being shown on a Jumbotron television from 7 to 9 p.m. Before the program, clips of DeWyze's past performances and hometown visit will be broadcast, and food and beverage vendors will be on site.

Parking will be available in the parking deck adjacent to Village Hall. Fans coming from outside the area are encouraged to use Metra since portions of Busse Avenue and Emerson Street will be closed starting at 1 p.m.

St. James Catholic School - DeWyze's former elementary school - will be hosting a party in its Parish Center at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

On Tuesdays, Idol fans have been gathering at the Fox and the Hound, 910 W. Dundee Road in Arlington Heights, and the Blues Bar in downtown Mount Prospect. There also will be a viewing party at St. Raymond's gym at Lincoln Street and Ioka Avenue in Mount Prospect.

After American Idol went off the air on Wednesday, host Ryan Seacrest flipped a coin to determine the order for next week's finale. According to USA TODAY, Crystal won the toss and chose to sing second.