American Idol was hotter than the Copa on Tuesday night, as the remaining seven finalists performed songs from the Barry Manilow catalogue. Manilow joined the judges Tuesday in critiquing the performances, and last night he performed with the finalists. Then, during a shocking Wednesday live results show, it was announced that Jennifer Hudson, who was considered one of the favorites to win this season's contest, had been eliminated from the American Idol competition after receiving the fewest votes.
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Millions of votes in total were recorded after Tuesday's performance show, in which Hudson sang "Weekend In New England." The sixth finalist to be eliminated from the competition, Hudson will return to her hometown of Chicago, IL. Only six finalists remain, one of whom will be the next American Idol!
Next week, another great entertainer, Gloria Estefan, will guest-judge on a special Latin-themed night, Tuesday, April 27 (8-9PM ET/PT). Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine will perform on the results show airing Wednesday, April 28 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), when one more finalist will be sent home, ending his or her quest for the American Idol title.
American Idol's six remaining finalists are:
• Fantasia Barrino, age 19. Fantasia is from from Highpoint, NC and started singing in church with her family at the age of 5. According to her mother, Fantasia's 2-year-old daughter, Zion Barrino, is going to be an American Idol. Self-described as a crazy woman, Fantasia likes to go skating and dancing. Currently, Fantasia is attending PCBI – Madison High School, pursing her diploma. First performance: "Something to Talk About"
• Diana Degarmo, age 16. Diana is from Snellville, GA and has been singing since the age of 5. In her free time, she enjoys going to football, soccer and basketball games. Diana's favorite singers range from Celine Dion and Patsy Cline to Nickelback and the Ying Yang Twins. First performance: "I've Got the Music in Me."
• George Huff, age 23. George, from New Orleans, LA, is currently a music education major at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK. Self-described as a jazz, blues and gospel artist, Huff comes from a family of singers and at the age of 5 realized he loved to perform. Since then he has performed in almost every church in the state of Louisiana. George has also performed in New Mexico and Europe and was involved in many school choirs. First performance: "Always and Forever." Second performance: "Lean On Me."
• La Toya London, age 24. Married with stepchildren, La Toya currently lives in Hawthorne, CA and attends the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. La Toya has been singing for the past 22 years. She classifies her vocal style as soul and most identifies with India.Arie. If she couldn't sing, she would like to be a musician on the piano, guitar, bass and drums. First performance: "All By Myself."
• John Stevens, age 16. A junior at Willliamsville East High School, John recently returned from a choir tour in Europe. Aside from his enthusiasm for singing, he also does impersonations of celebrities; many people say he reminds them of Conan O'Brien. John admires Frank Sinatra's music and most identifies his vocal style with Sinatra himself. John was born and raised in East Amherst, NY. First performance: "She's Always a Woman."
• Jasmine Trias, age 17. Jasmine describes herself as "a typical Hawaiian teen" who enjoys surfing, dressing comfortably and playing the ukulele, strives to put Hawaii on the map. Jasmine was born and raised in beautiful Mililani, HI. She currently attends Maryknoll High School, performs for her church and school, and volunteers her time at the Kapiolani Hospital in the ER. She advises the other IDOL hopefuls to sing their hearts out and to not hold back. First performance: "Run to You."
American Idol Tuesday ranks as the No. 1 program on any network this season among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34, and Total Viewers.