UPDATE: March 25th- in honor of Sir Elton John’s birthday today, American Idol broke the news on Twitter that next week’s theme will be from the hitmaker’s songbook.
@americanidol: “It’s official, next week’s theme is Elton John songs! And we wish the Rocket Man a very happy 64th birthday today!”
Finalist Casey Abrams was saved from elimination by the AMERICAN IDOL judges after he received the fewest of America’s more than 30 million votes. Abrams will continue in the competition as he takes the stage with the remaining finalists next week.
On tonight’s show, Season Three finalist and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson returned to the IDOL stage, and multi-platinum country music duo Sugarland rocked the house. The night also featured a special performance by music legend Stevie Wonder to celebrate Steven Tyler’s birthday and an appearance by wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan.
On Wednesday, March 30 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 11 finalists – Casey Abrams, Naima Adedapo, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, Paul McDonald, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart and Pia Toscano – return to the IDOL stage to sing hits from the 1980s. For the first time ever, the Top 11 will travel the country this summer as part of the “American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011.” Cities, venues and dates will be announced at a later date.
During the live results show on Thursday, March 31 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) tune in to find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who is sent home. In addition, Season Three IDOL winner Fantasia will perform her latest hit, “Collard Greens & Cornbread,” and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas and Academy Award and Grammy winner Jamie Foxx will perform their first-ever musical collaboration on the IDOL stage. The duo will sing “Hot Wings (I Wanna Party),” an original song written for the highly anticipated animated feature film “Rio.”
From the creators of “Ice Age,” “Rio” is a 3-D animated motion picture event – in theaters on April 15 – set in a world where the celebration never ends…and where adventure takes flight. The film’s mix of action, drama and fun is enveloped with a magical combination of Brazilian sounds and contemporary American music.
Fans can view the full official profiles for each of the Top 11 finalists at www.americanidol.com/contestants. Keep up with the latest AMERICAN IDOL news on the AMERICAN IDOL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanidol. And be sure to check out the official AMERICAN IDOL Twitter for the scoop straight from the IDOL set at www.twitter.com/americanidol (@americanidol).
