CURTIS FINCH, JR. IS ELIMINATED ON "AMERICAN IDOL"

TOP NINE FINALISTS COMPETE FOR AMERICA'S VOTE ON LENNON AND McCARTNEY-THEMED PERFORMANCE SHOW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, ON FOX

Ne-Yo and AMERICAN IDOL Season 11 Runner-Up Jessica Sanchez to Perform Duet Thursday, March 21

AMERICAN IDOL App Surpasses One Million Downloads

America has spoken and finalist Curtis Finch, Jr. was eliminated tonight from the AMERICAN IDOL competition. After receiving the least number of votes, Finch said goodbye to his fellow finalists and to IDOL judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban. From St. Louis, MO, the 24-year-old Finch sang "I Believe" on last night's performance show, which was originally sung by IDOL winner Fantasia.

Also on tonight's results show, Bon Jovi rocked the house with their song "Because We Can" from their latest album and Season 11 IDOL champion Phillip Phillips had the audience on its feet with his hit single, and this season's "goodbye" song, "Gone, Gone, Gone."

In addition to the results, AMERICAN IDOL is sending an 11th finalist on the "American Idol Live!" tour this summer, brought to you by AT&T. The two semifinalists who performed tonight in hopes of joining the tour were Charlie Askew, who performed "Sky Blue Diamond" and Aubrey Cleland who performed "Out Here On My Own." It's up to the viewers to decide who goes and fans are encouraged to visit www.americanidol.com or use the AMERICAN IDOL App to select which contestant they want to win the coveted spot.

Next week, on Wednesday, March 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top Nine finalists will take to the IDOL stage once again to perform songs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney for America's votes! In addition, the fans' choice for the 11th person to join the "American Idol LIVE!" tour will be revealed.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, March 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to the LIVE results show to find out which Top Nine finalist is sent home. Ne-Yo and Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez will perform "Give Me Everything (Tonight)."

Also, in less than two months after its launch, the AMERICAN IDOL App has generated more than one million downloads. The app provides IDOL fans access to show content and deep interactive and social experience, including syncing the app with the show. It also enables viewers to SuperVote - assigning votes during the broadcast and casting multiple votes at one time with the AT&T AMERICAN IDOL VOTE on their iOS and Android devices.

"Like" AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @MariahCarey; @yo_randyjackson; @nickiminaj; and @keithurban. Download the AMERICAN IDOL app for iOS devices from the App StoreSM; and for Android devices at Google PlayTM Store.** Data rates may apply for app download and usage.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of Core Media Group, and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, FremantleMedia; Trish Kinane, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions also serve as executive producers.

Visit www.americanidol.com for additional information regarding AMERICAN IDOL voting, as well as exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.