Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart are this season’s AMERICAN IDOL Top 4 finalists. Jacob Lusk was eliminated on tonight’s show after he received the fewest of America’s 60 million votes.

On Wednesday’s performance show, the Top 5 performed two songs from “now and then,” and Lusk, 23, from Compton, CA, sang “No Air” and “Love Hurts.” Tonight’s episode also featured performances by IDOL judge and global superstar Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull, as well as country music sensation Lady Antebellum.

On Wednesday, May 11 (8:00-9:30 PM), the Top 4 – Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Scotty McCreery and Haley Reinhart – return to the IDOL stage to perform the songs of renowned American songwriting and producing duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, May 12 (8:00-9:00 PM), to the live results show to find out who will make it to the Top 3. In addition, catch 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.

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The Top 4 offer fans a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the IDOL experience by answering a few questions:

What do you do right before you perform?

Lauren:           “I try to remember to breathe. I always say a prayer. Without breathing and faith, I wouldn’t survive!”

James:            “I get in the zone of the songs I’m singing. I meditate in that moment.”

Scotty:            “I always find a quiet spot to sit down, gather my thoughts and pray.”

Haley:             “I’m usually quite the talker, but I like to find a few moments of isolation right before I get up there.”


What’s the best or coolest thing you’ve ever received from a fan?

Lauren:           “Anything I receive from a fan is special! I am truly such a blessed girl to have my fans!”

James:            “A WWE Championship belt!”

Scotty:            “A necklace with my favorite bible verse, Philippians 4:13, on the back.”

Haley:             “I just received a sock monkey doll from a lady who suffers from a tumor. It touched my heart.”


What’s the best advice you’ve been given this season from the judges?

Lauren:           “To believe in myself!”

James:            “Don’t hold back, and don’t be afraid to go there. OWN IT – IT’S YOURS!”

Scotty:            “To stay in my lane, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Haley:             “Go with your gut and do you!”

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Also, host Ryan Seacrest announced tonight that auditions for Season 11 of AMERICAN IDOL will kick off Tuesday, June 28 in St. Louis, MO. The search for America’s next singing superstar will continue in Portland, OR, on Saturday, July 2; and in Charleston, SC, on Friday, July 22. More details and additional audition cities 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.