CHIKEZIE IS ELIMINATED FROM THE "AMERICAN IDOL" COMPETITION

TOP 9 FINALISTS WILL PERFORM DOLLY PARTON SONGS TUESDAY, APRIL 1, ON FOX

Dolly Parton to Perform New Single "Jesus & Gravity;" Special Performance by The Clark Brothers Wednesday, April 2, on FOX

Finalist Chikezie was eliminated tonight from the AMERICAN IDOL competition after he received the fewest of America's over 30 million votes. On Tuesday's performance show, contestants sang songs from the year they were born, and Chikezie, 22, from Inglewood, CA, sang "If Only For One Night."

On Tuesday, April 1 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 9 finalists (Brooke White, Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado) will return to the Idol stage and perform songs by Dolly Parton. Special guest artist Parton will also coach the contestants as they prepare for the performance show.

Tune in the following night Wednesday, April 2 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to the results show to see Parton perform "Jesus & Gravity," the second single from her new album "Backwoods Barbie," and to find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who must go home. The Clark Brothers, the Bluegrass/Country band that won THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND competition, will also perform live on the results show.

Dolly Parton's new album, "Backwoods Barbie" (Dolly Records), entered the Billboard pop albums chart at No. 17, marking her highest debut ever on that chart, and at No. 2 on both the country and indie album charts. The iconic singer, songwriter, film star and entrepreneur has penned such classic songs as "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and her mega-hit "I Will Always Love You." With 1977's crossover hit "Here You Come Again," Parton successfully erased the line between country and pop music without noticeably altering either her music or her image.

In 2006, Parton earned her second Oscar nomination for "Travelin' Thru," which she wrote for the film "Transamerica." She has garnered seven Grammys, 10 CMAs, five ACMs and three AMAs; she is one of only five female artists to win the CMA Entertainer of the Year Award. Beyond a world tour in support of "Backwoods Barbie," Parton is currently putting finishing touches on the music and lyrics for the upcoming Broadway musical version of "9 to 5." Parton starred in the 1980 film and earned an Oscar nomination for writing the title tune, along with two Grammy Awards.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder and CEO of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the top 24 as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. For all photo requests, please go to www.foxflash.com.