DAVID ARCHULETA AND DAVID COOK COMPETE FOR "AMERICAN IDOL" CROWN TUESDAY, MAY 20, ON FOX

WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED ON TWO-HOUR SEASON FINALE WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

SYESHA MERCADO IS ELIMINATED FROM COMPETITION

Top 12 Finalists Reunite Wednesday, May 21, on FOX

David Archuleta and David Cook are AMERICAN IDOL's Top 2 finalists after Syesha Mercado received the fewest of America's 56 million votes. The season's last and most important performance show promises to be a night to remember as finalists Archuleta and Cook compete head-to-head for the IDOL crown at the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE Tuesday, May 20 (8:00-9:02 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Tune in the following night for the most anticipated television event of the season. Over 100,000 people auditioned, and now only one finalist will be crowned the next AMERICAN IDOL on the two-hour season finale Wednesday, May 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The grand finale and celebration will feature special performances, surprise guests and the Top 12 finalists will reunite on stage one last time before America's votes are revealed and the next American Idol is crowned.

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 finalists, 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.