'American Idol' sends 2 finalists home

[April 01, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia are no longer standing on "American Idol."

The earthy 26-year-old dance instructor from Milwaukee and the breathy 16-year-old high school student from Mountain House, Calif., were booted from the Fox talent competition Thursday after "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest revealed they garnered the fewest viewer votes following their respective attempts Wednesday of Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" and "Daniel."

Joining the duo in the bottom three was smiley 26-year-old singer-songwriter Paul McDonald from Nashville, Tenn., who sang "Rocket Man."

Adedapo and Megia were sent packing after the judges overturned viewers' votes last week to save quirky 20-year-old film camp counselor Casey Abrams. He redeemed himself Wednesday with a tender take on "Your Song."

"If you knew how many (votes) you got, you'd be very proud," Seacrest informed Abrams.

"Idol" judge Randy Jackson proclaimed Wednesday that Adedapo's reggae rendition of "I'm Still Standing" was "kinda corny" and told Megia her choice of "Daniel" was "once again very safe." Before their dismissal, former "Idol" winner Fantasia crooned "Collard Greens and Cornbread" and the top 11 finalists split up for various duets and group performances.

The other remaining finalists are Lauren Alaina, 16, of Rossville, Ga.; James Durbin, 22, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; Stefano Langone, 21, of Kent, Wash.; Jacob Lusk, 23, of Compton, Calif.; Scotty McCreery, 17, of Garner, N.C.; Haley Reinhart, 20, of Wheeling, Ill.; and Pia Toscano, 22, of Howard Beach, N.Y. Another singer will be eliminated next week.

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Online:

http://www.americanidol.com/

[Associated Press; By DERRIK J. LANG]

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