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BEN BRILEY IS ELIMINATED ON "AMERICAN IDOL XIII"

TOP 10 FINALISTS TAKE THE STAGE IN A TOP 10 SONG-THEMED PERFORMANCE SHOW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, ON FOX

SEASON XIII JUDGE AND GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT SENSATION JENNIFER LOPEZ TO PERFORM HER NEW SINGLE, "I LUH YA PAPI," ON THE LIVE RESULTS SHOW THURSDAY, MARCH 20, AT 9:00 PM

Pop Rock Band Royal Teeth Also to Perform

More than Six BILLION Votes Cast Since Season One of AMERICAN IDOL

Ben Briley was eliminated tonight on AMERICAN IDOL XIII, after he received the fewest of the more than 72 million votes. From Gallatin, TN, the 24-year-old sang "Bennie and the Jets" on last night's "Soundtrack to our Lives"-themed performance show. In addition, on tonight's results show, the multi-talented musician, singer, songwriter and the newest judge on AMERICAN IDOL XIII, Harry Connick, Jr., performed a medley, and singer/songwriter Mali Music performed his new single, "Beautiful."

Also on tonight's broadcast, it was announced that since AMERICAN IDOL's debut in 2002, fans have cast more than six BILLION votes in support of their favorite singers, launching many of them into superstardom. For the past 13 seasons, voting for the series has been managed by Telescope, Inc.

Next week, on Wednesday, March 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 10 - C.J. Harris, Jena Irene, Caleb Johnson, Jessica Meuse, MK Nobilette, Alex Preston, Dexter Roberts, Majesty Rose, Malaya Watson and Sam Woolf - will perform songs on the "Top 10 Sings Top 10"-themed performance show. Song selections must be a Top 10 song from 2010 to the present.

It was also announced on last night's show that the Top 10 will embark on the annual multi-city AMERICAN IDOL LIVE Tour, beginning this summer.

On the next LIVE results show airing Thursday, March 20 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), tune in to find out who will be sent home. Additionally, international superstar and AMERICAN IDOL XIII judge Jennifer Lopez will perform her new single, "I Luh Ya Papi," and pop rock band Royal Teeth also will perform their breakout single, "Wild."

Viewers at home continue to have five ways to vote for their favorite singer, including voting via Google Search when the IDOL vote window opens at the top of the show, by searching for IDOL-related terms. For the first time ever, fans will be able to vote immediately after their favorites perform. After casting their votes, fans will have the opportunity to share their votes on Google+, follow contestants, join community conversations or participate in Google Hangouts about the show. Viewers can also vote online at AmericanIdol.com; via the AMERICAN IDOL App; via text messaging; and via toll-free calling.

AMERICAN IDOL XIII is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. The series was created by Simon Fuller and is executive-produced by Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Trish Kinane, Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager. Louis J. Horvitz is director and Rickey Minor is musical director. "Like" AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion using #idol. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @AmericanIdol. 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.