VIDEO & PHOTOS: Double Drama On American Idol -- Thia & Naima Both Eliminated; 9 Finalists Left

After their interpretations of Elton John fell flat with the judges, both Thia Megia and Naima Adedapo were eliminated on Thursday's edition of American Idol, as judges had to send home two contestants to make up for last week's dramatic save of Casey Abrams on a night 55 million votes were counted, a record for this stage in the competition.

On Wednesday's show, Adedapo performed John's hit I'm Still Standing, while Megia sang the ballad Daniel. The bottom three on Thursday's show were Megia, the high school student from Mountain House, California; Adedapo, a dance instructor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and  perhaps surprisingly, Paul McDonald, a quirky singer from Nashville, Tennessee.

After a few moments of suspense, host Ryan Seacrest delivered the verdict: "After a nationwide vote, the person surviving, who is safe tonight is... Paul! It's the end of the road for Thia and Naima."

Other highlights of Thursday's episode included Jamie Foxx and Will.I.Am singing Hot Wings, the new track from the animated film Rio; and past contestant Fantasia, who rocked the house with her song Collard Greens & Corn Bread.