ELLIOTT YAMIN IS ELIMINATED FROM THE "AMERICAN IDOL" COMPETITION 50 MILLION VOTES CAST - NEW PERFORMANCE SHOW RECORD

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO THE BIGGEST NIGHT OF THE SEASON� TAYLOR HICKS AND KATHARINE McPHEE WILL BATTLE IT OUT FOR THE "IDOL" CROWN TUESDAY, MAY 23, AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, ON FOX Next Week, Daniel Powter Will Perform Signature Song "Bad Day" on Tuesday; Carrie Underwood Returns Wednesday for Final Performance as Reigning Idol

The AMERICAN IDOL phenomenon continues as a record-breaking 50 million votes were cast this week after the Top 3 finalists each performed three songs - one chosen by legendary music industry mogul Clive Davis, one selected by the judges and one of his or her own choice. Last night in another dramatic results show, it was revealed that Elliott Yamin received the fewest votes after Tuesday's performance show, ending his quest to become the next American Idol. Yamin, from Richmond, VA, sang "Open Arms," "What You Won't Do For Love" and "I Believe To My Soul."

The biggest night on television is nearly here as the Final Two - Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee - battle it out for the IDOL crown live on the AMERICAN IDOL performance show Tuesday, May 23 (8:00-9:00 PM live ET/tape-delayed PT). Each contestant will perform a version of the winner's single, and there will be a special performance of "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter. Idol fans who want to relive some of the best performances of the season can pick up the AMERICAN IDOL: SEASON 5 ENCORES CD being released on Tuesday.

Tune in Wednesday, May 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to see the Top 12 reunite on the IDOL stage, and find out who America has chosen as the next American Idol. Carrie Underwood, the reigning American Idol, will perform her hit single "Don't Forget to Remember Me" before the new Idol is named.

Fourteen-time Emmy-nominated AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, Ltd.; 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.

Go to AmericanIdol.com for all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. Check out photos from the this season, along with special, behind-the-scenes information on AMERICAN IDOL. For photos of the finalists, please go to www.foxflash.com.