"American Idol" sends Thia Megia home

CEBU, Philippines - Filipino-American Thia Megia plus Naima Adedapo are no longer standing on “American Idol.”

The breathy 16-year-old high school student from Mountain House, Calif., and the earthy 26-year-old dance instructor from Milwaukee 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 “Daniel” and “I’m Still Standing.”

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.

Thia was born in California to Filipino parents Loreto and Cynthia Megia. Her parents are originally from Angeles, Pampanga but emigrated to the United States in 1968, according to Pep.ph.

Thia is not the first Filipino-American who became a finalist in “American Idol.” Jasmine Trias came in third place in Season 3, wherein Fantasia Barrino was named “American Idol.” Ramiele Malubay was among the Top 12 in Season 7, where David Cook won the title.

With Thia and Naima’s elimination, only nine contestants remain in the competition—three females and nine males: Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, and James Durbin. (With a report from AP)