Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson are assessing the finalists

The show's finalists had been expected to release the Burt Bacharach-Hal David composition, What the World Needs Now Is Love.

But following an "overwhelming" response from viewers, they will now record two Lee Greenwood songs, I'm Proud To Be an American and God Bless the USA.

The songs will make up a double A-side being to be released later this month by RCA Records.

Contestants sang the Greenwood songs during the 25 March episode of the programme on the US TV network Fox.

"They got such an overwhelming, positive response from viewers for doing those songs that we decided to release them as the American Idol charity single," said RCA executive Richard Sanders.

They got such an overwhelming, positive response from viewers for doing those songs that we decided to release them as the American Idol charity single Richard Sanders, RCA executive Have your say on Idol single

The competition is continuing without disqualified contestant Corey Clark - removed after an outstanding criminal charge came to light.

Clark had failed to reveal he was awaiting trial for a charge of assault against his sister.

He became the third contestant to be expelled because of past indiscretions they had failed to disclose.

Earlier evictees were a female contestant who had posed topless for a website, and a male competitor who had been arrested over a fight that ended with a man's death.

Fox is now seeking younger contestants to audition for a children's version of the show, Junior Idol.

Singers aged six to 13 are to be auditioned in Chicago, New York and Atlanta.