Ryan Seacrest News

Tonight, 'Idol' learned who would make the top three. Last night's performances were some of the weaker ones we've seen this season, so it was a bit unclear as to who would head home before the night began. The results show featured a wide range of performances, from R&B star Fantasia Burrino to the rock styling of Daughtry and Bon Jovi, and were a great addition to an otherwise somber night.

The top four sang songs from the silver screen tonight on "American Idol." Film and music star Jamie Foxx served to mentor, the perfect choice, since he has clearly been able to succeed in both genres. Foxx coached the contestants on how to perform for an audience, as he told them they now cannot be just a contestant; it's time to take it to the next level and show the audience who they are as an artist. Foxx made a good point: it's important to be an individual, not just have the best vocals.

'How are you guys feeling tonight? Did anyone see the Kentucky Derby on Saturday? Well, congratulations to Super Saver who won the big race. He celebrated the same way every other horse does - by having no idea what the hell just happened.'

'Idol' kicked off tonight's results show with the top five singing a Frank Sinatra medley consisting of The Lady is a Tramp, It Was a Very Good Year, and Night and Day. The group sounded tight as usual. I was a big fan of the way the guys began the medley, bringing out Crystal Bowersox to sing the second verse of The Lady is a Tramp. Casey James sounded a million times better tonight than he did last night; perhaps he would have done better with a different song? The group sounded great and the solos seem to get better each week.

The contestants stepped out of their comfort zone tonight on a week featuring pure crooning, something surprisingly lacking from 'Idol' this season. Stage and screen star Harry Connick, Jr. mentored the contestants on the songs of Frank Sinatra, even going so far as to create the arrangements and orchestrations for each song, as well as joining the singers on stage as the pianist. It's nice to see a mentor who put such dedication into his work on 'Idol,' though it is not the least bit surprising that this dedication came from Connick, Jr., always the consummate musician as well as performer.

According to a recent Tweet from pop star Lady Gaga, the singer will appear on the hit television show 'American Idol' on May 5th. The tweet read 'See you on American Idol. May 5th, Little Monsters.'

Don't miss a note of 'FOX Rocks,' a week of music-themed episodes kicking off Thursday, April 29 and airing through Wednesday, May 5. Throughout the rockin' week, FOX's primetime series - including BONES, FRINGE, HOUSE, GLEE, THE SIMPSONS, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, FAMILY GUY, THE WANDA SYKES SHOW and AMERICAN IDOL - will feature a variety of musical elements. The week will be highlighted by music-themed night opens including a special music video open to the NASCAR '10: RICHMOND 500 on Saturday, May 1 (7:00-11:00 PM ET live/4:00-8:00 PM PT live), guest appearances by Kanye West and Olivia Newton-John, as well as all-new musical performances by your favorite FOX characters. Also, FAMILY GUY will celebrate its milestone 150th episode on Sunday, May 2 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) with a special extended episode featuring fan-favorite numbers and never-before-seen musical performances.

When 'Idol' gets down to the top six, each week is a shocker. With so few contestants left, it is nearly impossible to predict who will head home each week and, at this point in the competition, it really feels as though it's anyone's game. Tonight featured a slew of performances and was the first real reminder of how close we are to finding a winner of 'American Idol' season nine.

Don't miss a note of 'FOX Rocks,' a week of music-themed episodes kicking off Thursday, April 29 and airing through Wednesday, May 5. Throughout the rockin' week, FOX's primetime series - including BONES, FRINGE, HOUSE, GLEE, THE SIMPSONS, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, FAMILY GUY, THE WANDA SYKES SHOW and AMERICAN IDOL - will feature a variety of musical elements. The week will be highlighted by music-themed night opens including a special music video open to the NASCAR '10: RICHMOND 500 on Saturday, May 1 (7:00-11:00 PM ET live/4:00-8:00 PM PT live), guest appearances by Kanye West and Olivia Newton-John, as well as all-new musical performances by your favorite FOX characters. Also, FAMILY GUY will celebrate its milestone 150th episode on Sunday, May 2 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) with a special extended episode featuring fan-favorite numbers and never-before-seen musical performances.

Tonight, 'Idol' saw the return of Shania Twain, who joined the audition process in Chicago, as the contestants sang from her vast catalog of songs. Twain is primarily a country artist, which resulted in a marked change for some of the contestants. The majority of the themes thus far have fit nicely into the pop genre and, while Twain's songs are definitely pop, the country influence allowed us to see the versatility of the performers as they tackled a new challenge.

Tour dates have been announced for Adam Lambert's first North American tour, which will be titled 'Glam Nation.' The tour will feature opening acts Orianthi and Alison Iraheta.

Twelve former SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE show favorites are set to return to summer's No. 1 series as All-Star Dance Partners. Skilled in various dance styles from Krump to Contemporary, the Season Seven All-Star Dance Partners are: Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic 'D-trix' Sandoval. Each week, finalists will be partnered with a different All-Star dancer.

Tonight, 'American Idol' presented a special episode, benefitting 'Idol Gives Back,' the historic Emmy Award-winning television event and music celebration, that has raised more than $140 million to benefit charities around the world and across the United States. Tonight, 'Idol' saluted a number of charities, including Feeding America, Save the Children, the United Nations Foundation, the Elton John Aids Foundation, and Idol Aid.

The iTunes Store, the No. 1 music retailer in the U.S., will donate net proceeds from sales of last night's Top 7 finalist performances to IDOL GIVES BACK. In addition, select guest performances from tonight's one-of-a-kind philanthropic event will also be featured on the iTunes Store (itunes.com). Check americanidol.com for regular updates on which performances will be available.

The top seven contestants of 'American Idol' kicked off the week with a set of inspirational songs led by the incomparable Alicia Keys. Keys was brought in due to her talent as well as her charity involvement, specifically working with families suffering from HIV and AIDS, as the show celebrates 'Idol Gives Back' this week. Some of the performances were perfect for the theme, while other lacked inspiration and felt as though they could have been performed any other week. As the competition heats up, the contestants will have to give standout performances weekly, and some of them failed to grow this week, while others had fantastic showings.

According to a recent tweet from pop star Christina Aguilera, the singer will appear on season finale of hit television show 'American Idol' on May 26th.

As part of his global effort to raise awareness for and to end HIV/AIDS, Sir Elton John will perform on IDOL GIVES BACK, airing Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, on behalf of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck & Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige & the All-Star Band will also perform.

While Ryan Seacrest hosts IDOL GIVES BACK from the AMERICAN IDOL stage in Los Angeles, Queen Latifah will join the celebration as emcee live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, an additional venue sponsored by ExxonMobil, Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. This year, IDOL GIVES BACK will feature performances and appearances by some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox and Jeff Beck.

Emmy Award-winning IDOL GIVES BACK welcomes Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox and Jeff Beck as performers on this year's event, airing Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Additional artists scheduled to perform and appear to be announced.

Music superstar Alicia Keys mentors the top 7 on AMERICAN IDOL Tuesday, April 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.