LAUREN ALAINA, SCOTTY MCCREERY AND HALEY REINHART ARE THE TOP 3 FINALISTS ON "AMERICAN IDOL"

JAMES DURBIN IS ELIMINATED FROM THE COMPETITION

TOP 3 PERFORM SONGS PICKED BY JUDGES AND JIMMY IOVINE WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, ON FOX

Il Volo, Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent to Perform on Next Results Show Thursday, May 19

Two-Night Season 10 Finale Airs Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25

San Diego, Pittsburgh and Houston Announced as Additional AMERICAN IDOL Season 11 Audition Cities

Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart are this season's AMERICAN IDOL Top 3 finalists. James Durbin was eliminated on tonight's show after he received the fewest of America's almost 72 million votes. On Wednesday's performance show, the Top 4 performed two songs: one inspirational song and one from the renowned American songwriting and producing duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Durbin, 22, from Santa Cruz, CA, sang "Don't Stop Believein'" and "Love Potion No. 9."

Tonight's episode also featured the world premiere of the video for IDOL judge and rock-and-roll legend Steven Tyler's first U.S. solo single, "(It) Feels So Good," as well as a performance by Season Six IDOL winner Jordin Sparks.

On Wednesday, May 18 (8:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 3 - Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart - return to the IDOL stage to perform three songs - one selected by the judges, one selected by in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine and one individual choice. In addition, viewers will get a peek at the extraordinary trips the Top 3 took when they visited their hometowns.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, May 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), to the live results show to find out which two finalists will face off in the finale. In addition, catch Italian trio Il Volo performing "O Sole Mio," as well as Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent entertaining the crowd with a performance of "Right There."

Be sure catch every minute of the two-night AMERICAN IDOL Season 10 finale airing on special nights, including the spectacular final performance show Tuesday, May 24 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and the thrilling final results show Wednesday, May 25 (8:00-10:07 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Also tonight, host Ryan Seacrest announced additional audition cities and dates for AMERICAN IDOL Season 11, including San Diego, CA, on Friday, July 8; Pittsburgh, PA, on Friday, July 15; and Houston, TX, on Friday, Aug. 26. Previously announced dates include St. Louis, MO, on Tuesday, June 28; Portland, OR, on Saturday, July 2; and Charleston, SC, on Friday, July 22. More details to be announced.

Fans can view the official profiles for each of the 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 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.