26. Top 9 Finalists Perform

Tonight the remaining 9 finalists perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America's votes and surviving another week in the competition. See who impresses the judges and who buckles under the pressure. Tonight's Theme Is: Dolly Parton songs Performing Tonight are: David Archuleta Jason Castro David Cook Kristy Lee Cook Michael Johns Ramiele Malubay Syesha Mercado Carly Smithson Brooke White