Idol Update; Manilow to Perform

The fifth season update of American Idol: the Top 12 finalists performed songs by the Stevie Wonder on Tuesday and joined Wonder on stage last night. Wonder performed “My Love Is On Fire” from his new album “A Time To Love.” Approximately 32.5 million votes were cast after Tuesday’s performance show. It was revealed that Melissa McGhee received the fewest votes. McGhee, from Tampa, FL, sang Wonder’s hit “Lately.”

Nearly 33 million people tuned in to Tuesday’s show, making it the most-watched performance show ever. This season, American Idol shows incredible growth, gaining exponentially versus last season, including +12% in Total Viewers and +11% among Adults 18-49.

Next week, the 11 finalists (Kevin Covais, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Elliott Yamin, Ace Young, Paris Bennett, Mandisa, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler and Lisa Tucker) compete on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 (8-10 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed). The theme for the performance show will be “music of the 50s,” with a special performance by Barry Manilow. The following night Manilow performs and the live results are announced Wednesday, March 22, 2006 (9 -9:32 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on Fox.

Fourteen-time Emmy-nominated American Idol is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, Ltd.; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

AmericanIdol.com