TELEVISION: American Idol (TOP 24 Revealed) 02.17.10

Finally, the full TOP 24 is revealed. Last night we learned of the first 7, among them 22-year-old DiDi Benami (above). Tonight, we learn the rest. It’s a fantastic group, a young group and a very talented group. There are also a few surprises, one or two who I thought would make it, but don’t. I don’t know that I would classify anyone of these people as weak or undeserving. In other words, no Sanjaya’s in the bunch. It’s going to be a very good year on IDOL. Get ready for full details on who gets chosen and who gets cut. Big ***SPOILERS*** AFTER THE JUMP!

JANELL WHEELER – Janelle auditioned in Orlando and during Hollywood week she had some rough patches. Her final performance was not great. She feels like she is on a roller coaster and now she must face the judges. Ellen drags the results, but ultimately Janell is chosen.

TYLER GRADY – Tyler is the 19-year-old who dressed like he was in ABBA in his Boston audition, but captivated the judges with his voice. His final song choice was “Home” by Daughtry and it was just okay in my opinion. Will he be headed there? Nope… Kara says she likes his moves and we’ll be seeing him and them again.

With Tyler, six of the 12 males spots are filled.

Only 3 of the female spots are filled.

LACEY BROWN – She was in the top 50 for Season 8. Lacey is hoping she can make it this year. Simon asks, “You do think it was the right decision or the wrong decision that you didn’t make it last year?” Lacey says, “I think it was the right decision. I needed to work really hard.” Simon goes on to say, “We’ve made a decision, Lacey, and the decision is… {insert dramatic pause}… it’s really good news.” Lacey makes it to the Top 24.

ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ – Ashley has been my front-runner and I think the producers know she will be a contender on the show and that’s why her result was barely played up, a very quick “You’re going through. Congratulations.”

ALEX LAMBERT’s “YES” reveal is also very quick. As is JOE MUNOZ’s. Hmmm, not sure why they are rushing through these. What the heck do they plan to fill the hour with.

8 of the 12 males are chosen.

5 of the 12 females are chosen.

CRYSTAL BOWERSOX – Crystal is such an indie rock girl with a unique and sultry voice, I can’t believe she would not land a spot. Although she should know how many people watch the show. When she says 3 million people watch, the producer quickly corrects her. The number is 30 million (give or take a few). She now faces the judges. Simon tells her, “We were all in agreement on this decision, I want you to know that.” “Okay,” she replies. “And the decision is, you’re in the Top 24.” Another female makes the cut bringing the number to 6.

KATIE STEVENS – She’s the 17-year-old whose grandmother has Alzheimer’s and she wants to be on IDOL before her grandmother forgets who she is. I tear up every time I write that. She kicked butt during Hollywood Week. Now she faces the judges. Ellen tells her that she doesn’t like delivering bad news. She doesn’t like hurting anyone’s feelings and she doesn’t like critiquing anyone. Then why the heck is she on this show? In any case, Ellen let’s Katie off the hook. “You’re going through.” Katie is female number 7 in the Top 24.

We then quickly see four people who are not identified who are not selected. Of course, they all think they should have made it.

ANGELA MARTIN – This is her third attempt on the show. She had highs and lows during Hollywood Week, but Angela thinks she has grown and I can’t help but like her. She is a very good singer. She faces the judges and is crying when she takes her seat. Kara walks over to share the seat with her. Kara tells her that she is very special and has shown incredible growth. Kara says it has been difficult to pick 12 girls. Then Kara says, “Look at me. I’m sorry. You didn’t make it.” Angela says, “Wow.” Kara says, “You are a great singer and there are other ways to do it.” Randy adds, “You gotta keep going.” Kara says, “You are a star no matter what. You are one of the bravest people and I am going to remember you forever, Angela.” I have to say that I did not see that one coming. I thought she was in.

LILLY SCOTT – Her jazzy voice caught the eye of the judges on Day 1. Kara says, “Everything about you is refreshing.” However, her final performance was a little rough. Now Lilly is worried that she may have ruined her chances. Lilly says she is excited and nervous. She says she believes she stood out in the competition. Kara says, “You really are very unique.” And later adds, “You’re going through to the next round.” So Lilly is lady number 8.

Then we see PAIGE MILES being congratulated for making it through. Who? Yep, I checked my previous recaps. This is the very first time we are seeing Paige and that does a HUGE disservice to her because viewers don’t know her. Good luck, Paige. You’re gonna need it, Lady Number 9. Simon later tells her, “You’re better than you even know. You are a really, really good singer.” Then why haven’t we seen her.

The next two females are named back to back. Lady 10 is SIOBHAN MAGNUS, the young woman Ellen told to loosen up and she did indeed. Lady Number 11 is MICHELLE DELAMOR, another young woman who we are seeing almost for the first time. Michelle has made comments during the Hollywood week episodes, but they have always been very short. She certainly hasn’t been on the screen for any length of time b/c she was never chyroned (for non-TV people that’s the little bar at the bottom of the screen with the person’s name).

JERMAINE SELLERS, the young man who threw his band under the bus, also makes the cut. As does JOHN PARK.

We now have 11 ladies and 10 gents chosen.

For the ladies, it’s down to HAELEY VAUGHN and TORI KELLY. Both ladies say they did the best they could, but only one of them can go through. Simon tells Haeley, “There are times when we see you and you can be fantastic. Other times you can be a little bit annoying.” And then he adds, “But you are super, super talented… Unfortunately, you chose a year where we had a lot of strong girls.”

CUT TO Randy asking Tori, “So how do you think you did this week?” Tori says, “Honestly, I think my last performance was the most fun I’ve had on stage.” That performance was a reggae-version of Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.” Tori says, “It was completely me and it was awesome to work with the band.” Randy says, “It’s a tough decision for us.”

CUT TO Simon telling Haeley, “Last year it would have been a quick decision. This year it’s a bit more tough. And we only have 12 places. Haeley…”

Randy, “Tori…”

Dramatic music builds.

Randy to Tori, “It’s not going to happen for you this time.”

Simon to Haeley, “You’re going to be really happy. You’re through.” Haeley is the final female in the Top 24.

Ryan says we are now down to two guys and only spot left. WHAT? Wait a minute. You have only announced 10 guys. I go back and check and sure enough, only 10 guys are revealed. IDOL, what are you doing to me?

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