MELINDA DOOLITTLE ELIMINATED FROM THE "AMERICAN IDOL" COMPETITION

BLAKE LEWIS AND JORDIN SPARKS TO BATTLE IT OUT ON THE SEASON'S FINAL PERFORMANCE SHOW TUESDAY, MAY 22; WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED ON THE TWO-HOUR SEASON FINALE WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, ON FOX

Last night, it was revealed that the AMERICAN IDOL journey ended for finalist Melinda Doolittle, who received the fewest votes after Tuesday's show. In addition, Season Five finalist Elliott Yamin returned to the AMERICAN IDOL stage to perform the song "Wait for You" from his new self-titled CD, "Elliott Yamin," followed by a special performance of "Makes Me Wonder" by Maroon 5. Tuesday's penultimate performance show of the season featured the Top 3 singers each singing three songs: judge's choice, contestant's choice and producers' choice. Doolittle, 29, from Brentwood, TN, sang "I Believe in You and Me," "Nutbush City Limits" and "I'm a Woman." Nearly 60 million total votes were cast after Tuesday's performance show.

Excitement is building for next week, when the Final 2 � Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks � compete head-to-head at the legendary Kodak Theatre in Hollywood Tuesday, May 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The season's last performance show promises to be a night to remember as the Top 12 reunite on stage, along with special guests. Then, tune in the following night for the most anticipated event of the television season. Over 100,000 people auditioned, and now only two contestants remain � Lewis and Sparks. One of them will be crowned the next American Idol on the two-hour season finale Wednesday, May 23 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

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, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.