MICHAEL SARVER IS ELIMINATED FROM THE “AMERICAN IDOL” COMPETITION

TOP 9 FINALISTS PERFORM LIVE TUESDAY, MARCH 31, ON FOX

David Cook and Lady Gaga to Perform Wednesday, April 1

Finalist Michael Sarver was eliminated last night from American Idol after he received the fewest of the record-setting more than 36 million votes. On Wednesday’s show, finalists performed songs celebrating 50 Years of Motown, and Sarver, 27, from Jasper, TX, sang “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” by The Temptations.

Next week, the Top 9 finalists – Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre and Lil Rounds – will return to the Idol stage to perform Tuesday, March 31 (8:00-9:20 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Tune in the following night Wednesday, March 26 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to find out if the judges use their save or if America sends another finalist home. Also, David Cook returns to the IDOL stage to perform his new single “Come Back to Me,” and pop sensation Lady Gaga takes the stage to sing her hit “Poker Face.”

David Cook’s self-titled debut album was released in November 2008 and has already been certified platinum. The album, for which Cook collaborated with an illustrious group of songwriters, including Chris Cornell, Johnny Rzeznik, Zac Maloy and Raine Maida, entered the Billboard charts at No. 3 and the digital album charts at No. 1, marking the best debut from an AMERICAN IDOL winner since 2006. “Light On,” the first single from the album, premiered online, received more than 1 million plays in less than a week and dominated the AOL Top 40 radio chart with eight (non-consecutive) weeks at No. 1. His latest single, “Come Back To Me,” goes to radio on April 6. Cook kicked off his first headline tour, “The Declaration Tour 2009”, on February 13 and is still going strong with sold-out dates. (Tickets available here)

Lady Gaga is a multitalented singer and songwriter from New York who learned to play the piano by ear at age 4. She wrote her first piano ballad at age 13 and shortly afterwards began playing in clubs around New York City. She attended Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and was signed by her 20th birthday by Interscope Records. Gaga wrote songs for other pop acts, including The Pussycat Dolls and New Kids on the Block, before her debut album, “The Fame,” was released in 2008. The album’s first single, “Just Dance,” hit No. 1 around the world and earned Lady Gaga her first Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. She will embark on a worldwide tour this year in support of her album.

The AMERICAN IDOL Top 9 finalists are:

Kris Allen (23) – Currently lives in Conway, AR, but grew up in Jacksonville, AR. Allen is a student at the University of Central Arkansas. He has been singing and playing the guitar since he was 13 years old. Yahoo Group - Kris Allen

Megan Joy Corkrey (23) – Corkrey lives in Sandy, UT, with her 2-year-old son, Ryder. She has been singing since age 3, and is a self-professed “foodie.” Yahoo Group - Megan Corkrey

Anoop Desai (22) – Born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC. Desai is working on his master’s degree at the University of North Carolina. During his undergraduate years, he was a member of the UNC Clef Hangers, an a cappella group. Yahoo Group- Anoop Desai

Matt Giraud (23) – Currently lives in Kalamazoo, MI, but grew up in Ypsilanti, MI. Giraud is a life-long resident of Michigan who graduated from Western Michigan University in 2007. He sings and plays piano in local clubs and hotels. Yahoo Group - Matt Giraud

Danny Gokey (28) – Raised and currently lives in Milwaukee, WI. Gokey is the president and founder of a non-profit organization. In addition to singing, he plays the piano and loves salsa dancing. Yahoo Group - Danny Gokey

Allison Iraheta (16) – Currently lives in Downey, CA, but originally from Los Angeles, CA. Iraheta is a junior in high school who began singing at age 5. She also enjoys playing the guitar. Yahoo Group - Allison Iraheta

Adam Lambert (27) – Lambert grew up in San Diego but currently lives in Hollywood. He began singing at age 10, and has been involved with musical theater for the past eight years. Yahoo Group - Adam Lambert

Scott MacIntyre (23) – Born and raised in Scottsdale, AZ. MacIntyre earned his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University at age 19, and attended graduate school in London, England. He also plays piano, guitar and drums. Yahoo Group - Scott MacIntyre

Lil Rounds (24) – Rounds was raised and currently lives in Memphis, TN, with her husband and three children. Music has always been a part of her life, and she began singing when she was 3 years old. Yahoo Group - Lil Rounds

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.

Source: FOX Press Release

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