Motown rolls into "American Idol," tonight

March 25, 4:38 PMDetroit Music ExaminerBrandon Dunlap

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The hit reality series "American Idol" takes a trip down West Grand Blvd in Detroit, as the 'Top 10' finalists channel Motown in tonight's performances.

Coached by Motown founder Berry Gordy and great singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson, the 'Idol' hopefuls received feedback and rehearsed their selections from the Motown catalogue.

This year marks 50 years since Gordy started Motown records and defined Detroit's rich history and American music.

Matt Giraud, a 23-year-old Kalamazoo native, was among the eight finalists of the 10 who paid a visit to the historic site of Hitsville U.S.A, check out the museum and original studios, which recorded some of the record labels biggest hits.

Contestants Megan Joy and Michael Sarver didn't make the trip due to illness deemed too sick to travel.

Robinson and former "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard will appear on Thursday night's results show. The "Top 10" perform at 8 p.m. tonight, which was booted from its regular Tuesday timeslot for last night's prime-time news conference with President Barack Obama.

The results show airs Thursday night at 9 p.m., where the one contestant will be ousted from the running for the next "American Idol," unless the judges save them from elimination.

For more info: Check out www.fox.com, and a live 'Idol' blog on www.mlive.com.