May 18, 2012 | 06:39 pm PT

Season 8′s inspirational finalist, Scott MacIntyre, kicked off our finale week Twitter Q&A sessions. Here’s the transcript from the tweetalong. Which other alumni will be tweeting? See the schedule!

@ScottDMacIntyre – TWITTER PARTY!!! Go to http://www.americanidol.com/community/live to ask me your questions using #idolalumnilive

@Gotiatorres – #idolalumnilive what’s your favorite dog breed?

@ScottDMacIntyre – @Gotiatorres Golden retriever #IdolAlumniLive

@annarofls – @ScottDMacIntyre Who was your favorite of this season? (: Are you rooting for Phillip or Jessica? Why? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @annarofls Actually, Phil, Jessica, and Joshua were three of my favorites all along #IdolAlumniLive

@jgilbert2246 – #IdolAlumniLive – want to say Congrats to #ScottDMacIntyre on your book. Where can I get it? You are awesome!

@ScottDMacIntyre – @jgilbert2246 Thanks so much. Check out my book at http://scottmacintyre.com/ #IdolAlumniLive

@IDOL_Insider – @ScottDMacIntyre What was the finale experience like for you during Season 8? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @IDOL_Insider My #IdolFinale experience was awesome. Highlight was singing with my buddy @jason_mraz #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive When are you going to have a season 8 reunion?!

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims That’s a good question. @19news @americanidol @dizzyfeet When are we going to have a Season 8 Reunion Tour? #IdolAlumniLive

@erin_schaffner – @ScottDMacIntyre Loved you on Season 8! What was it like going on tour? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @erin_schaffner The Idol Tour was my favorite part of the whole experience. So fun to be on the road with friends. #IdolAlumniLive

@CarterBabcock – You’re such an amazingly gifted piano player! Curious, are there any other instruments you like to play? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @CarterBabcock I also play guitar, drums, bass, organ, and kazoo :p #IdolAlumniLive

@marccittadino – #IdolAlumniLive Hey Scott! That was so cool to see you on #idol this season with your bro. Are you pushing him to re-audition?

@ScottDMaaIntyre – @marccittadino He’s got a great career ahead of him, with or without Idol. Glad you enjoyed him @toddmacintyre #IdolAlumniLive

@CarterBabcock – @ScottDMacIntyre At what age did you start singing? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @CarterBabcock I started singing in church chior when I was about 7, but I never had many vocal lessons. #IdolAlumniLive

@FanIdol – @ScottDMacIntyre Your book was such an insipration. Do you plan to do any more writing? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @FanIdol Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed my book. I would love to write another someday. #ByFaithNotBySight #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @scottymac4ever You should tell @dizzyfeet @19news & @americanIdol to audition me for that! #IdolAlumniLive

@aloneonoutside – @scottdmacintyre season 11 of idol vs season 2 of the voice…which was better? #Idolalumnilive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @aloneonoutside American Idol would win #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive What was your favorite performance on Idol this season?

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims Hard to choose. But I think Joshua had some of the best #IdolAlumniLive

@scottymac4ever – #IdolAlumniLive @ScottDMacIntyre Are we going to see you onstage for the finale THIS season???

@ScottDMacIntyre – @scottymac4ever No, but I will be at the red carpet and in the audience watching. Party Time! #IdolAlumniLive

@cutecakes100 – @BigMikeLynche #IdolAlumniLive are still making those late night bite sandwiches?? Haha

@ScottDMacIntyre – @cutecakes100 I love food. End of story. #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive Did you pre-order your copy of Kris Allen’s Thank You Camellia yet? http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/thank-you-camellia-deluxe/id518000582

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims Did you order your copy of my book #ByFaithNotBySightYet? #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive What is your guilty pleasure song?

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims Every time Payphone by @maroon5 @adamlevine comes on the radio, I almost lose it!

@LuvsHim1John419 – @ScottDMacIntyre Who would you most want to duet with? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @LuvsHim1John419 I’d love to do a duet with Bruce Hornsby. #IdolAlumniLive

@BRILLiantTV – @ScottDMacIntyre Which elimination from this season surprised you the most? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @BRILLiantTV Everyone has to leave at some point, except the winner. So, I’m not surprised by much anymore. #IdolAlumniLive

@aloneonoutside – @scottdmacintyre who do you think deserves to win american idol this season? #Idolalumnilive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @aloneonoutside From the beginnin I thought Phil had the best chance of winning. He deserves it too. #IdolAlumniLive

@aloneonoutside – @scottdmacintyre how many times per episode of idol do you wonder what simon would have said? #idolalumnilive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @aloneonoutside Simon would have sent pretty much everyone home without mercy. #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive What is your favorite song that you’ve ever written?

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims Favorite song I’ve written is called “I Am Hope.” Check it out on http://scottmacintyre.com/ #IdolAlumniLive

@FanIdol – @ScottDMacIntyre Your book was such an insipration. Do you plan to do any more writing? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @FanIdol I would choose food critic. But I could probably be a spy and write a food blog on the side :p #IdolAlumniLive

@LuvsHim1John419 – @ScottDMacIntyre Fav kind of cereal? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @LuvsHim1John419 Honey Bunches of oats is my favorite cereal #IdolAlumniLive

@LuvsHim1John419 – @ScottDMacIntyre If you could go on tour with any former @americanidol who would it be? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @LuvsHim1John419 I’d love to tour with @Chris_Daughtry #IdolAlumniLive

@OriginalSMacFan – Hey Scott! Never made it to a twitter party before! #idolalumnilive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @OriginalSMacFan Thanks for joining us! You’re the best #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive Favorite song off Adam Lambert’s new album?

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims Fav song off the album is Better Than I Know Myself #IdolAlumniLive @adamlambert

@ScottDMacIntyre – 5 more minutes to ask me anything about Idol, tour, or my book #ByFaithNotBySight – http://www.americanidol.com/community/live

@LuvsHim1John419 – @ScottDMacIntyre will you make your book into a movie? That would be great! #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @LuvsHim1John419 Actually, I was approached about making the movie before the book. But the book happened first. We’ll see ! #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive What was the last album you bought?

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims Last album I bought was @owlcity All Things Bright and Beautiful #IdolAlumniLive

@LuvsHim1 John419 – ScottDMacIntyre If you could go on tour with any former @americanidol who would it be? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @LuvsHim1John419 I’d love to tour with @Chris_Daughtry #IdolAlumniLive

@IDOL_Insider – @ScottDMacIntyre That was a fun performance. What do you think of @jason_mraz‘s new album? #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @IDOL_Insider Been so busy touring I haven’t had a chance to hear it yet, but it’s on my list! #IdolAlumniLive

@LuvsHim1John419 – @ScottDMacIntyre will you make your book into a movie? That would be great! #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – @LuvsHim1John419 Actually, I was approached about making the movie before the book. But the book happened first. We’ll see ! #IdolAlumniLive

@OriginalSMacFan – @ScottDMacIntyre #idolalumnilive Any updates on an upcoming miniMac? Mwahahaha ;-P

@ScottDMacIntyre – @OriginalSMacFan No miniMacs to report at this time! @IdolScottsgirl #IdolAlumniLive

@pete10156 – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive what the one thing that you liked about your time on idol

@ScottDMacIntyre – @pete10156 Fav moment on Idol was my highfive with @ryanseacrest #IdolAlumniLive

@teamaims – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive If you could do a duet with any other idol alum for your next album, who would it be?

@ScottDMacIntyre – @teamaims Would love to have @DannyGokey be a part of the next album #IdolAlumniLive

@pete10156 – @ScottDMacIntyre #IdolAlumniLive Scott if you could sing a deut with Jesus what would it be and why

@ScottDMacIntyre – @pete10156 If Jesus wanted to sing a duet with me I would let Him choose, then I would run and hide! #IdolAlumniLive

@ScottDMacIntyre – Thanks everyone! Don’t forget to check out my new book #ByFaithNotBySight in stores now! http://scottmacintyre.com/ #IdolAlumniLive

Go ahead and tweet with these other alumni! Ask your questions using #IdolAlumniLive!

Posted by AI Insider

May 18, 2012 | 06:32 pm PT

The finale is upon us, and our Idol finalists, staff, and alumni are thrilled. See what they had to say in 14o characters or less!

Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) Whoa!! Idol performance and Grammy museum acoustic show all in one day, fun and exciting..Thanks 4 all the love:):) May 17

Michael Orland (@MichaelOrland) Congrats @JSanchezAI11 and @PPhillipsAI11 . What a great finale we’ll have. Season has gone by way 2 fast. Need lots more time with all 12. May 17

Peisha McPhee (@PeishaMcPhee) It was AWESOME seeing all our 9 finalists return tonight ! Our #Idol Finale is going to be beyond words….. May 16

Napolean and Tabitha (@NAPPYTABS) Top 3 #Idol reh. Me w @PPhillipsAI11 @JLedetAI11 @JSanchezAI11 Luv u guys personality, talent, hard work. Grt season. May 17

Pia Toscano (@PiaToscano) I love seeing the idols homecoming.. It’s so special to see where these dreamers come from & all the support they have #Idol May 16

Melinda Doolittle (@mdoolittle) Dear @adamlambert That last run was all kinds of ridiculous! (that’s a good thing) Yes sir!!! May 17

Fantasia Barrino (@TasiasWord) I want to say to each Idol contestant Congrats for making it this far and Good Luck to each of you. May 16

Taylor Hicks (@TaylorRHicks) @pphillipsai11 @jsanchezAI11 Congrats on the finale! See u there! May 17

Kimberley Locke (@KimberleyLocke) Joshua you are an amazing talent! You will have an amazing career! #idolfinale May 17

Matt Giraud (@ImMattGiraud) Classy way to go josh. Love it he’s classy May 17

Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) Honored to be back on the @Opry stage last night. What an incredible show w/ @BradPaisley and @carrieunderwood! May 13

Kris Allen (@KrisAllen) My friend @adamlambert came out with his new album today! #Trespassing Got to listen to it yesterday and you wont be disappointed. GO get it! May 15

Michael Lynche (@BigMikeLynche) Hey guys my 1st single just got to iTunes this morning! I hope you’ll rate it, comment on it, and enjoy it! http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whos-gonna-love-you-more-single/id525197134 so excited May 15

Haley Reinhart (@HaleyReinhart) 5 days till my big debut;) Get ready to “Listen Up!” #listenupcountdown May 17

Tweets From Your Idols

Joshua Ledet (@JLedetAI11) A lot of people wanted to know how I’m feeling rite now! Well I want all of you to take a second an go listen to Beyonce “I was here” (: May 17

Jessica Sanchez (@JSanchezAI11) You guys..I have never in my life thought I’d be in this position..Thank you so much! <3 May 18

Phillip Phillips (@PPhillipsAI11)

i just wanna say thank you to the ones that support me & appreciate what im doing with music. Words cant explain how thankful i am #fb May 17

Be sure to follow @AmericanIdol for the latest news and show tweets, and follow @IDOL_Insider for photos and info straight from the set!

Posted by AI Insider

May 18, 2012 | 06:03 pm PT

AmericanIdol.com, our social accounts, and the Idol Insider will be providing extensive coverage of all things related to the Season 11 finale, Jessica Sanchez, and Phillip Philips.

Click here to visit finale headquarters.

After Tuesday’s live performance show, we’ll have performance videos, fan replay, photos, video recap, interviews with the Top 2, and more right here on AmericanIdol.com/Finale.

Then, at 6pm ET/3pm PT, catch the red carpet arrivals via our live photo stream from the red carpet, and the Idol Insider will tweet from @IDOL_Insider throughout the event, sharing exclusive photos, info, and videos from the red carpet.

On Wednesday night, chat about the finale performances and results on AmericanIdol.com, Facebook, and Twitter. Use #IdolFinale when chatting about the finale on Twitter.

Come back Thursday for all of the post-show entertainment including red carpet interviews hosted by a past Idol favorite, performances, post-show interviews, photos, and re-watch the last 5 minutes of the finale.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 18 – Wednesday, May 31: Tweet with your favorite Idol alumni. Ask questions using #IdolAlumniLive. Get the Twitter Q&A schedule.

Tuesday, May 22, 8/7c: Top 2 Performance Show on FOX.

Tuesday, May 22, 9/8c: LAST CHANCE to vote for your American Idol.

Wednesday, May 23, 6pm ET/3pm PT LIVE: Check out red carpet arrivals, photos, and live blog.

Wednesday, May 23, 8/7c: Watch the American Idol Season Finale of star-studded guests, Top 12 performances, and a new American Idol is crowned. Please note: The show is scheduled to run for 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Thursday, May 26: Check out recaps and performances, re-watch the last 5 minutes of the finale, and celebrate your new champion!

Get an inside look at the finale with the Idol Insider:
@IDOL_Insider on Twitter
Facebook.com/TheIdolInsider

Get exclusive finale access with American Idol’s official social accounts:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/americanidol
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/americanidol
Instagram: @AmericanIdol
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/americanidol/
Tumblr: http://americanidol.tumblr.com/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/109568158031562636736/posts

Posted by AI Insider

May 18, 2012 | 07:30 pm PT

They’ve thrilled us all season long. Now it’s times to choose sides! Are you on Team Jessica or Team Phillip? You can download these exclusive Twitter skins to show your support for your favorite finalist.

Here are instructions for uploading the twitter skin.

• Download the Twitter skin by clicking the link below
• Right click the image and save it to your desktop
• Login to your Twitter account
• Navigate to the avatar located on the top right side of your twitter page
• Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu
• Click “Design”
• Under “Customize your own”, browse for the downloaded twitter skin
• Change the background color to “000000″
• Click “Save Changes”

Download the Team Phillip Twitter skin.

Download the Team Jessica Twitter skin.

Posted by AI Insider

May 18, 2012 | 06:42 pm PT

Season 9′s saved finalist,  Michael Lynche, released his debut single this week. He tweeted about that and more with YOU! Here’s the transcript from the tweetalong. Which other alumni will be tweeting? See the schedule!

@BigMikeLynche - So I’ll be doing a twitter party 6 ET tonight talking all things Idol, my new album, politics, celeb baby news, Africa…well not all that but hit me anyway. just use #IdolAlumniLive

@IDOL_Insider – @BigMikeLynche tell us about your new music! #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @IDOL_Insider It’s love music…

@CarterBabcock - @BigMikeLynch Who’s been your biggest musical influence?

@BigMikeLynche - @CarterBabcock that’s a loaded question lol right now I’m really feeling Maxwell and D’Angelo. Gotta love the soul brothers

@andrewgarcia - It’s Friday, where be the party?

@BigMikeLynche - @andrewagarcia your house fool!!!

@NeneMyNiney - #IdolAlumniLive @BigMikeLynche What do you think of Joshua Ledet elimination?

@BigMikeLynche - @NeneMyNiney Unfortunate. He was one of the best this year but #3 ain’t bad…

@BRILLiantTV - @BigMikeLynche What advice do you have for this mama-to-be? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @BRILLiantTV Enjoy it!!! And sleep when they sleep!!! Though you’ll never get enough #IdolAlumniLive

@NeneMyNiney - #IdolAlumniLive @BigMikeLynche What did you think of the Judges/Jimmy song choices for the final 3 last week? What would you have chosen?

@BigMikeLynche - @NeneMyNiney I thought they were great choices. They gave each one the chance to shine and have a moment.

@hoostrom - #IdolAlumniLive Hey Big Mike! What did you think of the save this season??

@BigMikeLynche - @hoostrom They had to save Jessica, she’s outstanding #IdolAlumniLive

@BamadansPad - @BigMikeLynche When will we get a new installment of Late Night Sandwich starring your newest addition? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @BamadansPad Possibly next week when I get up with the boys at the finale

@IDOL_Insider - @BigMikeLynche What theme week do you wish you had during your season of #idol #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @IDOL_Insider Michael Jackson and Broadway #IdolAlumniLive

@pgvolley - @BigMikeLynche did ur local musician friends really say their Season11 fav was DeAndre Brackensick? btw, fans Totally Agree! #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @pgvolley Oh yeah! Deandre is an artist with true singing talent and he also picked songs that real musicians can dig #IdolAlumniLive

@SasoonKim - Hey @BigMikeLynche what’s your favorite performance so far? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @SasoonKim I liked Jessica on Whitney Houston night

@BRILLiantTV - @BigMikeLynche What was your finale experience like two seasons ago? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @BRILLiantTV Intense! there’s so much going on so many costume changes, so many celebrities backstage, it’s hard to keep track of everything

@NeneMyNiney - #IdolAlumniLive @BigMikeLynche Follow Me on Twitter! Your new single is hot! What do you think of Jimmy Iovine?

@BigMikeLynche - @NeneMyNiney Aw Thanks! lot of work went into the album. Jimmy is a legend plain and simple #IdolAlumniLive

@reyesquiana - Hey @BigMikeLynche , who do you think will win this season? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @reyesquiana Well I’ve had my money on Jessica all season but PP is really dope too #IdolAlumniLive

@AllForPhilJun - @BigMikeLynche What was your favorite memory from the Idol tour in 2009? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @AllForPhilJun Making Lat night sandwich videos and tripping on the bus. Meeting all the fans before and after was pretty cool too

@hoostrom - @BigMikeLynche Is there a theme in recent seasons that you wish you had been able to do? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @hoostrom I like the pick you own song theme lol

@hoostrom - @BigMikeLynche do you still hang out with anyone from your season? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @hoostrom Sure I’ve seen Tim, Andrew and Casey the most #IdolAlumniLive

@AdrianRivera6 - @BigMikeLynche #idolalumnilive did you like Hollie from this season?

@BigMikeLynche - @AdrianRivera6 I loved Hollie I picked her and Jessica to duke it out in the finale, so I was half right #IdolAlumniLive

@andielsa - @BigMikeLynche With the release of your album I wonder, are you excited for another tour? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @andielsa Super excited! I’ve spent so long writing the record and I’m just really excited for people to hear now

@molmck - @BigMikeLynche – Did you make any life long friends from your time on American Idol? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @molmck Sure. I hope I know all those guys forever #IdolAlumniLive

@molmck - @BigMikeLynche – I see your album comes out soon. Do you have a favorite track? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @molmck There’s a record called “Love Is You” which I’m really really proud of but they’re all my babies

@pgvolley - @BigMikeLynche How often have you agreed with Jimmy Iovine’s comments on the contestants this season? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @pgvolley He’s harsh but usually spot on

@marccittadino - #IdolAlumniLive @BigMikeLynche If you could duet at the #idolfinale with one of this year’s #idols, who would it be?

@BigMikeLynche - @marccittadino I’ll take all the guys and do an a cappella number #IdolAlumniLive

@sapanashede - Hey @BigMikeLynche! What do you think of the judges this season? #IdolAlumniLive

@BigMikeLynche - @sapanashende They could’ve been more honest across the board. You gotta earn it

@BigMikeLynche - Well my times up guys. See ya at the finale #IdolAlumniLive

Go ahead and tweet with these other alumni! Ask your questions using #IdolAlumniLive!

Posted by AI Insider

May 17, 2012 | 04:24 pm PT

Breaking news:  We aren’t even done with Season 11 yet, but we have big season 12 audition info. Are you the next American Idol?

If you think you have what it takes, make sure you come out and audition in Los Angeles, CA on June 7, Newark, NJ on June 23 and Chicago on July 12th. If you remember back to Season 9, Chicago is where we met winner, Lee DeWyze!

We’ll reveal more cities and dates next week. Also tell us what song you’ll be trying out with by using  #idolauditions.

Download all the forms you’ll need before you go!
Audition FAQ
Guardian documents
Audition Rules
Audition Release Form

Posted by AI Insider

May 17, 2012 | 02:27 pm PT

The music world lost a legend today with the passing of Donna Summer. The Disco Diva inspired many American Idol finalists – including two winners – who performed her songs on the show. Donna was even a guest judge during Season 3’s Top 4 Disco night on American Idol. During the Season 8 finale, just 3 years ago this week, Donna performed on stage with the Season 7 girls.

Idol Performances:
Ryan Starr, Season 1 Top 7, “Last Dance”
Diana DeGarmo, Season 3 Top 4, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)”
Season 3 Top 4, Group Number, “Bad Girls, “Hot Stuff,” “Heaven Knows,” “She Works Hard for the Money”
Diana DeGarmo, Season 3 Top 2, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)”
Season 3 Top 12, “Heaven Knows” and “She Works Hard for the Money”
Vonzell Solomon, Season 4 Top 3, “On The Radio”
Brenna Gethers, Season 5 Top 20, “Last Dance”
LaKisha Jones, Season 6 Top 10, “Last Dance”
Melinda Doolittle, Season 6 Top 10, “Heaven Knows”
Jordin Sparks, Season 6 Top 3, “She Works Hard for the Money”
Season 7 Girls, Grand Finale, “She Works Hard for the Money” and “Hot Stuff”
Donna Summer with Season 7 Girls, Grand Finale, “Stamp Your Feet” and “Last Dance”
Kris Allen, Season 8 Top 7, “She Works Hard for the Money”
Allison Iraheta, Season 8 Top 7, “Hot Stuff”
Anoop Desai, Season 8 Top 7, “Dim All the Lights”

Season 2′s Kimberley Locke made a name for herself on Idol mastering Disco songs and has had a successful career in the dance music genre. About Donna’s passing she said, “Donna Summer gave us music that transcended the dance floor. I will always respect her music and most of all her powerful vocals. Thank you Donna Summer for paving the way for me and many others.”

Donna may be gone, but her music and her legacy will live on. In honor of her, let’s dance that last dance tonight!

Posted by AI Insider

May 17, 2012 | 11:49 am PT

After last night’s amazing performances any of the talented Top 3 could make it to next week’s finale! Tune in TONIGHT 8/7c on FOX to see the results of America’s vote.

Jessica, Phillip and Joshua each sang three songs: Judges’ choice, their own choice and Jimmy Iovine‘s choice.  What song choice do you think was the best for each of our remaining finalists?

Here is the song list from the episode:

Title: I’d Rather Go Blind
Artist Version: Etta James
Contestant: Joshua Ledet

Title: My All
Artist Version: Mariah Carey
Contestant: Jessica Sanchez

Title: Beggin’
Artist Version: Madcon
Contestant: Phillip Phillips

Title: Son Of A Preacher Man
Artist Version: Dusty Springfield
Contestant: n/a

Title: Shout
Artist Version: The Isley Brothers
Contestant: n/a

Title: It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World
Artist Version: James Brown
Contestant: Joshua Ledet

Title: Imagine
Artist Version: John Lennon
Contestant: Joshua Ledet

Title: Fly
Artist Version: Nicki Minaj feat. Rihanna
Contestant: n/a

Title: Shake Shake Shake
Artist Version: Bronze Radio Return
Contestant: n/a

Title: Dance With My Father
Artist Version: Luther Vandross
Contestant: Jessica Sanchez

Title: I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
Artist Version: Aerosmith
Contestant: Jessica Sanchez

Title: The Letter
Artist Version: Joe Cocker
Contestant: n/a

Title: Volcano
Artist Version: Damien Rice
Contestant: n/a

Title: Volcano
Artist Version: Damien Rice
Contestant: Phillip Phillips

Title: Disease
Artist Version: Matchbox 20
Contestant: Phillip Phillips

Title: No More Drama
Artist Version: Mary J. Blige
Contestant: Joshua Ledet

Title: I’ll Be There
Artist Version: Jackson 5
Contestant: n/a

Title: I’ll Be There
Artist Version: Jackson 5
Contestant: Jessica Sanchez

Title: We’ve Got Tonight
Artist Version: Bob Seger
Contestant: Phillip Phillips

Posted by AI Insider

May 17, 2012 | 09:38 am PT

Superstar and Season 4 winner,  Carrie Underwood’s fourth album, Blown Away, is No. 1 for the second consecutive week on Billboard’s Top Country & all-genre 200 albums sales chart. This marks the first time since 2010 that a country artist has debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s all-genre 200 albums sales chart for 2 back-to-back weeks. Watch Carrie’s performance of the title track of Blown Away on the Top 5 results show!

Blown Away also holds the No. 1 spot on Canada’s Top 100 Country albums sales charts for the second straight week. The album is also the top selling digital album in Canada again this week.

Upon its release on May 1, Blown Away made history by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country albums sales chart making Carrie only the second country artist in the 47 year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at No. 1. Blown Away also debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart making Carrie only the second country artist in history to have three consecutive albums debut at No. 1. Blown Away became country’s best-selling digital album debut since 2010.

Since releasing Some Hearts in 2005, Carrie has sold more than 14 million albums with Some Hearts, 2007’s Carnival Ride, and 2009’s Play On making her the best selling American Idol in the US. She’s amassed 14 No. 1 singles, six of which she co-wrote, and became the first country artist in history and the only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 No. 1 singles from their first two albums. Underwood currently leads the nominations for the upcoming CMT Music Awards with five.  She is a five-time Grammy winner, a two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, a three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner, and a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Posted by AI Insider

May 16, 2012 | 08:50 pm PT

Following tonight’s episode of American Idol, a compilation album of the songs performed by the Season 11 Top 3 finalists will go on sale on the iTunes Store. Individual songs will also be available for sale. The tracks released on iTunes are studio versions recorded by the finalists under the guidance of “Idol” musical director Ray Chew.

“This album showcases the incredible talent embodied by this year’s ‘Idol’ finalists,” said Ray Chew. “These kids are truly amazing, and we’ve given them the kind of production values they deserve.”

Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe added, “You listen to these performers and it’s easy to understand the mind-blowing excitement that American Idol has generated this year.” Nigel’s observation is underscored, in part, by the number of fan and media comments about the show on Twitter and other social networking sites, which has skyrocketed this year, running six times higher than last year.

The “Idol” finalists were coached by music industry legend Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Records, who worked with every singer throughout the studio sessions to ensure they all performed to their fullest potential.

Get the entire compilation album!

Or, click on the contestants’ names for their individual track.

Joshua Ledet – “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James

Jessica Sanchez – “My All” by Mariah Carey

Phillip Phillips – “Beggin’” by Madcon

Joshua Ledet – “Imagine” by John Lennon

Jessica Sanchez – “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith

Phillip Phillips – “Disease” by Matchbox 20

Joshua Ledet – “No More Drama” by Mary J. Blige

Jessica Sanchez – “I’ll Be There” by Jackson 5

Phillip Phillips – “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seger

American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX. This week, the contestants sang a song picked by the judges, one they chose, and one selected by Jimmy. Tune in tomorrow night, Thursday, May 17 at 8/7c, as America finds out who received enough votes to make it to the finale. In addition, Season 8 runner-up  Adam Lambert will perform as well as Lisa Marie Presley.

Who did you love tonight?

Posted by AI Insider