MEGAN JOY IS ELIMINATED FROM THE “AMERICAN IDOL” COMPETITION; TOP 8 FINALISTS PERFORM SONGS FROM THE YEAR THEY WERE BORN TUESDAY, APRIL 7, ON FOX

Kellie Pickler to Perform Wednesday, April 8

Finalist Megan Joy was eliminated last night from American Idol after she received the fewest of America’s more than 36 million votes. On Wednesday’s show, finalists performed Top Downloaded songs, and Joy, 23, from Sandy, UT, sang “Turn Your Lights Down Low” by Bob Marley

Next week, the Top 8 finalists – Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre and Lil Rounds – take the stage Tuesday, April 7 (8:00-9:01 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to perform songs from the year they were born.

Tune in the following night Wednesday, April 8 (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, Season Five finalist Kellie Pickler returns to the Idol stage to perform her new single, “Best Days of Your Life.”

Kellie Pickler’s gold-certified album, “Small Town Girl,” became the best-selling debut in 2006 by a solo country artist. Two of the album’s singles, “I Wonder,” and “Red High Heels,” placed on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Top 15 chart. Pickler’s self-titled sophomore album recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album Chart, making her only the sixth country artist to have their debut and follow-up albums enter at the top of the charts. Winner of three 2008 CMT Awards, Pickler penned five of the album’s tracks, including the hit “Best Days of Your Life,” which was co-written with Taylor Swift. Swift, who also lends her background vocals on the record, will appear with Pickler on the “Fearless Tour 2009.” The six-month tour will visit 52 cities in 38 states and provinces across the U.S. and Canada. (Tickets available here)

The AMERICAN IDOL Top 8 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

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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