KAREN RODRIGUEZ IS ELIMINATED ON "AMERICAN IDOL"

VIEWERS CAN DONATE TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TO HELP THEIR EFFORTS IN JAPAN

TOP 11 FINALISTS SING CLASSIC MOTOWN TUNES LIVE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, ON FOX

Jennifer Hudson and Sugarland to Perform on Next Results Show Thursday, March 24

Finalist Karen Rodriguez was eliminated tonight on AMERICAN IDOL after she received the fewest of America's votes. On Wednesday's performance show, the Top 12 performed songs from the year they were born, and Rodriguez, 21, from New York, NY, sang "Love Will Lead You Back." In addition, Grammy Award-winning pop superstars The Black Eyed Peas sang their latest hit, "Just Can't Get Enough," and IDOL Season Nine winner Lee DeWyze took the stage to perform "Beautiful Like You."

During the show, host Ryan Seacrest announced that viewers can help those affected by the recent tragic events in Japan by donating much-needed funds. Donations will be accepted via text-messaging by texting REDCROSS to 90999. A $10 donation will be added to the user's mobile bill, and proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to help their efforts in Japan. Messaging and data rates may apply. Visit www.mgive.org for terms, conditions and additional information.

In addition, AMERICAN IDOL announced last night that profits from the sales of the "American Idol Top 12 Season 10" compilation album and the individual performance downloads from the album between now and the end of the season will benefit the American Red Cross and their relief efforts in Japan.

On Wednesday, March 23 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 11 finalists - Casey Abrams, Naima Adedapo, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, Paul McDonald, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart and Pia Toscano - return to the IDOL stage to sing classic Motown tunes.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, March 24 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), to the live results show to find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who is sent home. Also, Season Three finalist and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson will return to the IDOL stage to perform, and multi-platinum country music duo Sugarland will also perform.

Fans can view the full official profiles for each of the Top 11 finalists at www.americanidol.com/contestants. Keep up with the latest AMERICAN IDOL news on the AMERICAN IDOL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanidol. And be sure to check out the official AMERICAN IDOL Twitter for the scoop straight from the IDOL set (@americanidol).

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, Founder, 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past seven consecutive seasons and currently ranks as the No. 1 television show of the 2010-11 season.

Visit americanidol.com for additional information regarding AMERICAN IDOL voting, as well as exclusive videos, interviews and photos, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.