PAUL JOLLEY IS ELIMINATED ON "AMERICAN IDOL"

TOP 8 FINALISTS COMPETE FOR AMERICA'S VOTE ON MUSIC OF MOTOR CITY-THEMED PERFORMANCE SHOW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, ON FOX

Season 11 Finalist Colton Dixon to Perform On Next Results Show and 450th Episode Thursday, March 28

Paul Jolley was eliminated tonight on AMERICAN IDOL, after he received the fewest votes among the finalists. From Palmersville, TN, the 23-year-old Jolley sang "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles on last night's performance show. In addition, Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez and Ne-Yo performed Sanchez's new single "Tonight," and Season 10 Finalist Casey Abrams performed the Beatles classic, "I Saw Her Standing There."

Next week, on Wednesday, March 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 8 -Lazaro Arbos, Janelle Arthur, Candice Glover, Kree Harrison, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller, Burnell Taylor and Devin Velez - return to perform for America's votes. The performance show's theme is Detroit: The Music of Motor City.

On the next live results show airing Thursday, March 28 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), AMERICAN IDOL will celebrate its 450th episode. Also, tune in to find out who is sent home and to see Season 11 Finalist Colton Dixon perform on the IDOL stage.

"Like" AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @MariahCarey; @yo_randyjackson; @nickiminaj; and @keithurban. Download the AMERICAN IDOL app for iOS devices from the App StoreSM; and for Android devices at Google PlayTM Store.** Data rates may apply for app download and usage.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of Core Media Group, and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, FremantleMedia; Trish Kinane, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions also serve as executive producers.

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

[EDITOR'S NOTE: **App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.]